Hypercholesterolemia: Ceska R

Vaverková H, Soska V, Rosolová H, Ceska R, Cífková R, Freiberger T, Pit'ha J, Poledne R, Stulc T, Urbanová Z, Vráblík M, Czech Atherosclerosis Society. · III. interní klinika LF UP a FN, Olomouc. · Cas Lek Cesk. · Pubmed #17650596 No free full text.

Abstract: The present guidelines are based on the recommendations published in 2005 entitled "Prevention of Cardiovascular Diseases in Adulthood" summarizing the conclusions of nine Czech medical societies and agree with them in the assessment of individual risk of mortality from cardiovascular disease (CVD) according to SCORE tables. They reflect new research data in pathophysiology of dyslipidemias (DLP) and particularly the results of recent clinical trials of lipid-lowering therapy and their meta-analyses. They establish priorities for the screening and management of DLP, present suitable diagnostic methods, additional investigations of potential use in risk assessment, including some emerging risk factors and detection of sub-clinical atherosclerosis in persons in a moderate-risk category. Major changes include a lower LDL-cholesterol treatment target (< 2.0 mmol/L for all CVD individuals) and a possible use of apolipoprotein B as a secondary target in selected persons (< 0.9 g/L in high risk without CVD, < 0.8 g/L for CVD patients) and nonHDL-cholesterol (< 3.3 mmol/L in high risk without CVD, < 2.8 mmol/L for CVD patients). Therapy of individual DLP phenotypes (monotherapy and combination therapy) as well as basic principles for control examination at lipid-lowering medication are described. Recommended therapeutic lifestyle changes are shown. Enclosed are five annexes: DLP diagnosis; causes of secondary DLP; additional investiga- tions of potential use in risk stratification; familial hypercholesterolemia; list of recommended foods; two variants of SCORE tables for risk assessment for the Czech Republic; the scheme of recommended procedures and treatment algorithm in DLP asymptomatic individuals.

Vaverková H, Soska V, Rosolová H, Ceska R, Cífková R, Freiberger T, Pit'ha J, Poledne R, Stulc T, Urbanová Z, Vráblík M, Anonymous00126. · III. interní klinika Lékarské fakulty UP a FN Olomouc. · Vnitr Lek. · Pubmed #17419181 No free full text.

Abstract: The present guidelines are based on the recommendations published in 2005 entitled "Prevention of Cardiovascular Diseases in Adulthood" summarizing the conclusions of nine Czech medical societies and agree with them in the assessment of individual risks of mortality from cardiovascular disease (CVD) according to SCORE tables. They reflect new research data in pathophysiology of dyslipidemias (DLP) and particularly the results of recent clinical trials of lipid-lowering therapy and their meta-analyses. They establish priorities for the screening and management of DLP, present suitable diagnostic methods, additional investigations of potential use in risk assessment, including some emerging risk factors and detection of sub-clinical atherosclerosis in persons in a moderate-risk category. Major changes include a lower LDL-cholesterol treatment target (< 2.0 mmol/L for all CVD individuals) and a possible use of apolipoprotein B as a secondary target in selected persons (< 0.9 g/L in high risk without CVD, < 0.8 g/L for CVD patients) and nonHDL-cholesterol (< 3.3 mmol/L in high risk without CVD, < 2.8 mmol/L for CVD patients). Therapy of individual DLP phenotypes (monotherapy and combination therapy) as well as basic principles for control examination at lipid-lowering medication are described. Recommended therapeutic lifestyle changes are shown. Enclosed are five annexes: DLP diagnosis; causes of secondary DLP; additional investigations of potential use in risk stratification; familial hypercholesterolemia; list of recommended foods; two variants of SCORE tables for risk assessment for the Czech Republic; the scheme of recommended procedures and treatment algorithm in DLP asymptomatic individuals.

Freiberger T, Ceska R. · Genetická laborator Centra kardiovaskulární a transplantacní chirurgie Brno. · Vnitr Lek. · Pubmed #17702130 No free full text.

Abstract: In 1997, the Czech Republic joined the international project MedPed (Make early diagnosis to Prevent early deaths), the principal objective of which is to dramatically reduce the number of deaths caused by the premature clinical manifestations of atherosclerosis in patients with familial hypercholesterolemia (FH). Stress has been laid on a timely diagnosis, especially in family members of patients who have already been diagnosed with the disease, and on timely application of adequate hypolipidemic therapy. A network of centres dealing with severe inborn dyslipidemias has been set up under the auspices of the Czech Society for Atherosclerosis. As many as 3,208 cases of dyslipidemia from 2377 families have been detected thanks to the network and to the contribution of cooperating doctors; this represents 16% of the estimated number of 20,000 patients with FH in this country. However, the disease is far from being under control in the Czech Republic. The principal objective for the immediate future is to dramatically increase the number of people screened within affected families; thus multiplying the current rate of diagnosed and treated patients with FH within each family from its current value of 1.3.

Vrablík M, Ceska R. · Centre of Preventive Cardiology, 3rd Department of Medicine, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic. · Semin Vasc Med. · Pubmed #15630630 No free full text.

Abstract: The treatment of dyslipidemia is beyond doubt one of the cornerstones of cardiovascular prevention. If we want to touch and comment on at least the principal news in this broad field, we must simplify and pay attention to only a few selected areas. The focus of this article is on hypercholesterolemia and the treatment options for elevated low-density lipoprotein (LDL)-cholesterol; it also addresses the questions of low high-density lipoprotein (HDL)-cholesterol levels and the treatment of dyslipidemia of the metabolic syndrome. In particular, statins have had accumulation of new evidence resulting in novel indications and new target groups. Modern, even more potent drugs lowering total and LDL-cholesterol levels are available (new statins, e.g., rosuvastatin, pitavastatin, cholesterol absorption inhibitor ezetimibe) More and more attention of the medical public is being paid to dyslipidemia of the metabolic syndrome (so-called lipid triad), which seems to be the greatest rival of LDL-cholesterol among lipid risk factors for cardiovascular disease. In the treatment of this dyslipidemia especially the nuclear peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR) agonists play an important role. In particular fibrates but also glithasones are noteworthy in this respect. There are fewer data for fibrates than for statins, but nevertheless evidence documenting benefit of this therapy is growing. A statin and fibrate combination is a promising future approach not only to the treatment of metabolic syndrome. Moreover, niacin, particularly in combination with a statin, might experience a renaissance. HDL-cholesterol level modification attracts more and more discussions; on the horizon there are new therapies of low HDL, for example, cholesterol-ester transfer protein inhibitors, which have been shown to have a potency for increasing HDL by more than 50%.

Sobra J, Ceska R. · III. interní klinika 1. LF UK a VFN, Praha. · Cas Lek Cesk. · Pubmed #10376396 No free full text.

Abstract: The author discusses metabolic processes during exogenous and endogenous lipid transport and deviations in the metabolism of lipids, lipoproteins and apolipoproteins in multiple metabolic syndrome and in so-called diabetic dyslipidaemia. Specific phenotypic manifestations of diabetic dyslipidaemia include hypertriacylglycerolaemia, hypercholesterolaemia, elevated plasma levels of LDL-cholesterol and apolipoprotein B and reduced levels of HDL-cholesterol and apolipoprotein B and reduced levels of HDL-cholesterol and apolipoprotein A-I. Other recent findings relating to this syndrome include evidence of elevated concentrations of small and dense LDL micelles (< 25 nm), so-called LDL phenotype B, which are easily modified (e.g. by oxidation, glycation etc.), and subsequent uptake by "scavenger" receptors into macrophages which after filling become foam cells and penetrate into the vascular wall. Elevated levels of small and dense LDL micelles, the accelerating process of atherogenesis, were proved in all multiple metabolic syndrome carriers. The atherogenic lipoprotein phenotype hastens markedly atherogenesis and subsequent manifestation of cardiovascular diseases.

Malik J, Melenovsky V, Wichterle D, Haas T, Simek J, Ceska R, Hradec J. · Third Department of Medicine, Charles University, First School of Medicine and General University Hospital, Unemocnice 1, 2, 128 08, Prague, Czech Republic. · Cardiovasc Res. · Pubmed #11684077 links to  free full text

Abstract: OBJECTIVE: It has been repeatedly proven that statins improve endothelial function in isolated hypercholesterolaemia but there is far less evidence in the case of combined hyperlipidaemia. Studies assessing the effects of fibrates on endothelium have been neglected. Therefore, we conducted a trial in which the effects of fenofibrate and atorvastatin monotherapy on both endothelium-dependent vascular reactivity and biochemical parameters were compared in patients with combined hyperlipidaemia. METHODS: 29 otherwise healthy males (aged 47.4+/-7.8 years) with combined hyperlipidaemia (total cholesterol 7.55+/-1.20 mmol/l, triglycerides 5.41+/-4.54 mmol/l) were included into the randomised, single-blind, cross-over study to receive either 200 mg of micronised fenofibrate or 10 mg of atorvastatin daily--each of the drugs for a period of 10 weeks. Analysed biochemical parameters were as follows: serum total-, LDL- and HDL-cholesterol, apolipoproteins A-I and B, triglycerides, fibrinogen, uric acid, C-reactive protein (CRP), insulin, and homocysteine. Endothelial function was investigated by duplex Doppler ultrasonography at the brachial artery. Two indices of endothelial-dependent postischaemic changes were used - the recently introduced index of peak blood flow (PBF) representing the level of reactive hyperaemia and traditional flow-mediated dilatation (FMD). RESULTS: We observed a small improvement in FMD after both fenofibrate and atorvastatin (from 2.26% to 2.98% and 2.87%, respectively; NS). PBF increased from 448 ml/min to 536 ml/min after fenofibrate (P=0.04) and to 570 ml/min after atorvastatin (P=0.03). The effects of both fenofibrate and atorvastatin on endothelial function did not differ significantly (P-values of 0.82 and 0.47 for FMD and PBF, respectively). Significant correlations (P<0.01) between the changes of vascular reactivity and biochemical indices were found between FMD and CRP (r=-0.60) and between both FMD and PBF, and insulinaemia (r=-0.48 and -0.56, respectively) only during treatment with fenofibrate. CONCLUSIONS: Both fenofibrate and atorvastatin significantly improved endothelium-dependent vascular reactivity without mutual difference. The PBF was superior to FMD for the detection of this improvement. The beneficial effect of both drugs did not correlate with the change of lipid profile during therapy. The improvement of vascular reactivity during treatment with fenofibrate (opposed to atorvastatin) was related to the reduction of indirect marker of chronic vessel wall inflammation and of insulin resistance. The PBF was more reproducible than FMD because of considerably lower intra-subject variability.

Malík J, Stulc T, Wichterle D, Melenovský V, Chytilová E, Lacinová Z, Marek J, Ceska R. · Third Department of Internal Medicine, General University Hospital, First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic. · Physiol Res. · Pubmed #18052685 links to  free full text

Abstract: Previous studies revealed altered levels of the circulating insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I) and of its binding protein-3 (IGFBP-3) in subjects with coronary atherosclerosis, metabolic syndrome and premature atherosclerosis. Hyperlipidemia is a powerful risk factor of atherosclerosis. We expected IGF-I and IGFBP-3 alterations in subjects with moderate/severe hyperlipidemia but without any clinical manifestation of atherosclerosis. Total IGF-I and IGFBP-3 were assessed in 56 patients with mixed hyperlipidemia (MHL; cholesterol >6.0 mmol/l, triglycerides >2.0 mmol/l), in 33 patients with isolated hypercholesterolemia (IHC; cholesterol >6.0 mmol/l, triglycerides <2.0 mmol/l), and in 29 healthy controls (cholesterol<6.0 mmol/l, triglycerides<2.0 mmol/l). The molar ratio of IGF-I/IGFBP-3 was used as a measure of free IGF-I. IHC subjects differed from controls by lower total IGF-I (164+/-60 vs. 209+/-73 ng/ml, p=0.01) and IGF-I /IGFBP-3 ratio (0.14+/-0.05 vs. 0.17+/-0.04, p=0.04). Compared to controls, MHL subjects had lower total IGF-I (153+/-54 ng/ml, p=0.0002) and IGFBP-3 (2.8+/-0.6 mg/ml, p<0.0001), but higher IGF-I/IGFBP-3 ratio (0.25+/-0.06, p<0.0001). Differences remained significant after the adjustment for clinical and biochemical covariates, except for triglycerides. Patients with both IHC and MHL have lower total IGF-I compared to controls. The mechanism is presumably different in IHC and MHL. Because of prominent reduction of IGFBP-3 in patients with MHL, they have reduced total IGF-I despite the actual elevation IGF-I/IGFBP-3 ratio as a surrogate of free IGF-I.

Stulc T, Vrablík M, Kasalová Z, Marinov I, Svobodová H, Ceska R. · Third Department of Internal Medicine, Prague, Czech Republic. · Physiol Res. · Pubmed #17465700 links to  free full text

Abstract: Atherogenesis involves the migration of leukocytes into vascular subendothelial space, a process mediated by endothelial and leukocyte cell adhesion molecules. Endothelial molecules are assessed indirectly via serum levels, but leukocyte molecules can be assessed directly. We have therefore hypothesized that leukocyte adhesion molecules are altered to a greater degree in hypercholesterolemia than serum endothelial adhesion molecules. We examined 29 subjects with hypercholesterolemia and 27 controls at baseline and after 12 weeks of atorvastatin treatment (20 mg/day). Expression of leukocyte integrins CD11a, CD11b, CD18, and CD49d and of L-selectin was measured by flow cytometry. Serum ICAM-1, E-selectin and von Willebrand factor were measured by ELISA. Expression of leukocyte adhesion molecules was significantly higher in patients at baseline than in the controls, except for CD11a. Expression significantly decreased after atorvastatin in most adhesion molecules except for CD11b. In contrast, there was no effect of hypercholesterolemia and/or atorvastatin on the serum endothelial molecules. Leukocyte but not endothelial adhesion molecules were influenced by hypercholesterolemia and by lipid lowering treatment. Leukocyte molecules may therefore be a more sensitive marker of atherogenesis than endothelial molecules. Our results support the role of increased leukocyte adhesiveness in atherogenesis.

Malik J, Stulc T, Ceska R. · Third Department of Internal Medicine, General University Hospital and First School of Medicin, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic. · Int Angiol. · Pubmed #16158043 No free full text.

Abstract: AIM: Levels of circulating matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and their tissue inhibitors (TIMPs) are altered in subjects with atherosclerosis. We hypothesized that also otherwise healthy hypercholesterolemic subjects will have altered MMP/TIMP concentrations. To validate this hypothesis, we compared MMPs/TIMPs in patients with moderate isolated hypercholesterolemia before and after atorvastatin therapy and in healthy normolipidemic controls. METHODS: Twenty-seven otherwise healthy subjects with isolated hypercholesterolemia (total cholesterol 8.3+/-0.3 mmol/L) and 29 healthy normolipidemic controls were included. Patients were treated by atorvastatin for 10 weeks. We studied plasma levels of MMPs (MMP)-2, -3, and -9 and of their TIMPs (TIMP)-1 and -2. RESULTS: Patients differed from controls by significantly lower MMP-3 [11.6 (5.7-21) vs 18.4 (12-22) ng/mL, P<10-4 (median, range 25-75%)] and TIMP-2 [13.3 (8.8-30.5) vs 22.1 (10.8-39) ng/mL, P=0.02] and by higher TIMP-1 [496 (461-538) vs 483 (456-500) ng/mL, P=0.004]. Atorvastatin decreased significantly TIMP-1 [from 496 (461-538) to 476 (451-525) ng/mL]. CONCLUSIONS: Isolated hypercholesterolemia per se is associated with similar alterations of circulating MMPs and TIMPs as developed symptomatic atherosclerosis. Most consistent link to serum lipids was observed in case of TIMP-1. MMP and TIMP levels probably reflect the atherogenic process in its early stages in these subjects.

Vevera J, Fisar Z, Kvasnicka T, Zdenek H, Stárková L, Ceska R, Papezová H. · Psychiatric Clinic, First Faculty of Medicine of Charles University, Ke Karlovu 11, 120 00 Prague, Czech Republic. · Psychiatry Res. · Pubmed #15740995 No free full text.

Abstract: A number of studies have reported an increased risk for violent deaths and depression in subjects with reduced serum cholesterol concentrations. Links with hypothesized impairment of serotonin neurotransmission have not been satisfactorily tested. In this investigation, the serum and membrane cholesterol, microviscosity of erythrocyte membranes, platelet serotonin uptake, and clinical parameters were determined during pharmacotherapy of 17 hypercholesterolemic patients. A significant decrease in serum cholesterol and a nonsignificant decrease in membrane cholesterol concentration were found after 2 months of simvastatin therapy. Serotonin transporter (SERT) activity was significantly increased following 1 month of simvastatin; the tendency to decrease the initial increase in SERT activity was evident following 2 months of therapy. Both membrane cholesterol and SERT activity returned to pre-treatment levels after more than 1 year of therapy. Microviscosity of plasma membranes, impulsivity, empathy, adventure, sensation seeking, and depressed mood were not markedly changed. These data indicate that long-term therapy has different effects on serotonin transmission from short-term (1- to 2-month) therapy. A significant increase in SERT activity was detected only during the first month of simvastatin therapy. This finding suggests that within this period some patients could be vulnerable to depression, violence, or suicide.

Stulc T, Malbohan I, Malík J, Fialová L, Soukupová J, Ceska R. · Third Department of Internal Medicine, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic. · Am Heart J. · Pubmed #14661010 No free full text.

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Serum levels of pregnancy-associated plasma protein-A (PAPP-A) have recently been linked to plaque instability and are increased in acute coronary syndromes. The relation between PAPP-A levels and coronary risk factors, namely blood lipids, has not been studied to date. We have therefore investigated whether serum PAPP-A levels are increased in asymptomatic hypercholesterolemic subjects and whether PAPP-A levels are influenced by atorvastatin therapy. METHODS: We examined 27 subjects with isolated hypercholesterolemia free of manifest vascular disease and 29 age-matched healthy control subjects. Patients were examined at baseline and after 10 weeks of atorvastatin treatment (20 mg/d). RESULTS: In untreated hypercholesterolemic subjects, PAPP-A levels were significantly higher than in control subjects (8.02 +/- 1.86 mU/L vs 6.50 +/- 2.54 mU/L, P =.018). There was no correlation between PAPP-A levels and serum lipid levels. Atorvastatin treatment reduced total and LDL-cholesterol by 31% and 40%, respectively. Despite this profound lipid lowering, there was no significant change in the serum PAPP-A levels. CONCLUSIONS: PAPP-A levels are elevated in hypercholesterolemic subjects without clinical signs of atherosclerosis. PAPP-A may therefore not only reflect plaque instability but also serve as a marker of total atherosclerotic burden in asymptomatic subjects with hyperlipidemia. However, PAPP-A levels are not influenced by atorvastatin treatment.

Stulc T, Kasalová Z, Prázný M, Vrablík M, Skrha J, Ceska R. · Third Department of Internal Medicine, U nemocnice 1, Prague 2, Czech Republic. · Physiol Res. · Pubmed #12899656 links to  free full text

Abstract: Impaired NO-dependent vasodilation of resistance vessels is an early marker of an increased risk of atherosclerosis; utility of the examination of microcirculation, however, is far less established. We have therefore tested the hypothesis that hypercholesterolemia is associated with an impaired microvascular reactivity and that this defect is at least partially reversible by lipid-lowering treatment. Twenty-seven otherwise healthy patients with severe hypercholesterolemia (HLP) were examined at rest and then after 10 weeks of atorvastatin treatment (20 mg/day). Skin microvascular reactivity (MVR) was examined by laser-Doppler flowmetry. Baseline MVR values of the studied group were compared to healthy control subjects, HLP patients with coronary artery disease (CAD) and diabetic patients with and without diabetic retinopathy. MVR was normal in HLP subjects without CAD. On the contrary, MVR was impaired in HLP patients with CAD. There was no effect of atorvastatin on MVR, despite the profound reduction of serum lipids. MVR values did not correlate with cholesterol levels. In diabetic subjects, the MVR was substantially impaired only in patients with retinopathy. In the subjects without retinopathy, MVR was either normal (type I diabetes) or moderately impaired (type II diabetes). MVR was thus normal in HLP patients without manifest vascular disease and was not influenced by lipid lowering therapy. Impairment in the MVR was only evident in subjects with HLP and severe CAD. These results suggest that microcirculation is not involved in the early vascular dysfunction induced by HLP and that MVR rather reflects changes which appear later in the course of the atherosclerotic disease.

Lubanda JC, Simek S, Linhart A, Aschermann M, Ceska R. · 2nd Department of Internal Medicine, 1st Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, General Teaching Hospital, Prague, Czech Republic. · Cas Lek Cesk. · Pubmed #12841130 No free full text.

Abstract: We report a case of 31 year old man with heterozygous familial hypercholesterolemia and excessive tobacco use leading to acute myocardial infarction as the first manifestation of premature atherosclerosis. The patvent was treated by primary PTCA of occluded first marginal artery and at this time an attempt of recanalisation of occluded LAD was unsuccessful. The patient was referred for mini coronary bypass graft of the LIMA to LAD. During evaluation of carotid arteries we found a significant stenosis of the left internal carotid artery and occlusion of the left subclavian artery which made the use of LIMA unsuitable. Therefore, another attempt of PTCA of the occluded LAD was performed, this time with success. Hence PTA of the occluded subclavian artery was performed with good result. The patient was treated with the standard therapy of CAD and combined lipid lowering agents with significant reduction of plasma cholesterol. However, 2 years after the first MI, he suddenly died after swimming at the age of 31. In this patient the risk of premature CAD was increased by the presence of another powerful risk factor--the excessive tobacco use. Acute physical exercise probably acted as a trigger of acute coronary events at the time of both MI. Interventional methods were very effective in the treatment of multiple atherosclerotic lesions in this patient and provided significant relief of symptoms. Treatment of heterozygous FH is briefly discussed in this article.

Kvasnicka T, Kvasnicka J, Ceska R, Grauová B, Vrablík M. · 3rd Dept. of Internal Medicine, 1st Faculty of Medicine and General University Hospital, Charles University, U Nemocnice 2, 128 08 Prague 2, Czech Republic. · Sb Lek. · Pubmed #12448198 No free full text.

Abstract: Combined hyperlipidemia (coincident present hypercholesterolemia and hypertriglyceridemia) may contribute to the development of atherosclerosis and coronary artery disease by increasing of cell adhesion molecules (CAMs). Although the cellular expression of CAMs is difficult to assess clinically, soluble forms of CAMs (sCAMs) are present in the circulation and may serve as marker of CAMs. The aim of this study was to determine whether combined hyperlipidemia in overweight adults without clinical evidence of cardiovascular disease, diabetes mellitus or hypertension is associated with increased expression of CAMs. We examined the levels of soluble cell adhesion molecules (sICAM-1, sE-Selectin and sP-Selectin) in blood plasma of overweight adults (n = 36), mean of BMI 27.08 +/- 4.12 kg/m2 with combined hyperlipidemia, with total cholesterol (TC) 7.27 +/- 1.50 mmol/l, LDL cholesterol 4.89 +/- 1.35 mmol/l, HDL cholesterol 1.27 +/- 0.51 mmol/l and triglycerides (TG) 4.08 +/- 2.22 mmol/l before lipid-lowering therapies, and in equal numbers of age, sex and BMI matched controls. Patients with combined hyperlipidemia had significantly higher plasma levels of soluble intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (sICAM-1) (298.13 +/- 41.24 ng/ml versus 241.35 +/- 37.48 ng/ml; P < 0.001), sE-Selectin (63.31 +/- 9.48 ng/ml versus 42.16 +/- 14.18 ng/ml; P < 0.001) and sP-Selectin (161.18 +/- 20.85 ng/ml versus 111.54 +/- 26.12 ng/ml; P < 0.001) compared with overweight, non-hyperlipidemic control subjects. Combined hyperlipidemia in adults with overweight is associated with elevated soluble plasma levels of CAMs. We suppose that levels of CAMs in these patients may be determined as a marker for appreciation of their potential atherosclerotic burden.

Sobra J, Ceska R, Spácil J, Wichterle D, Slézka V, Horínek A, Kvasilová M, Procházková R, Stanková J. · III. interní klinika 1. LF UK a VFN, Praha. · Cas Lek Cesk. · Pubmed #11262894 No free full text.

Abstract: Within the grant project patients with familial hyperlipoproteinaemias have been examined. The examination was performed in the oldest lipid clinic and research laboratory in the world. The classification of lipid metabolism disorders was based upon a detailed biochemical analysis of plasma lipids including electrophoresis and assessment of apolipoprotein levels. Then optimal treatment regimen could be established. The project was aimed to evaluate the efficacy of different treatment regimens in different types of hyperlipoproteinaemias. Biochemical parameters and mainly the impact of treatment of hyperlipoproteinaemia on morphology and function of the vessel wall was monitored. The non-invasive ultrasound measurement of the intima thickness of carotid arteries was used. For more precise diagnosis of genetically determined disorders of lipid metabolism a large scale of methods of molecular biology was introduced. These methods enable confirmation of familial hypercholesterolaemia, familial defective apolipoprotein B-100 or studying polymorphism of apolipoprotein E. The effort of the authors of the project was to maximally utilise the results of basic and applied research in formulating recommendations for everyday practice of physicians.

Ceska R, Vrablík M, Horínek A. · Third Medical Clinic, First Faculty of Medicine and Prague General Hospital, Czech Republic. · Physiol Res. · Pubmed #10984082 links to  free full text

Abstract: Familial defective apolipoprotein B-100 (FDB) is a genetic disorder caused by a substitution of glutamine for arginine at residue 3500 of the apolipoprotein B-100 molecule. We have identified 23 heterozygotes and one homozygote for FDB (frequency 1:20) in a group of 510 patients with hypercholesterolemia. Mean age of the patients (18 females and 6 males) was 46 years. The diagnosis of FDB was based on point mutation PCR analysis of exon 26 of the apo B gene. Plasma lipids in heterozygous patients were: total cholesterol 8.76+/-1.2 mmol/l, triglycerides 1.42+/-0.5 mmol/l, HDL-cholesterol 1.43+/-0.3 mmol/l, LDL-cholesterol 6.69+/-1.2 mmol/l, apoB 1.69+/-0.4 g/l, Lp(a) 0.26+/-0.2 g/l. The most frequent apoE genotype was 3/3 (19 patients), apoE 3/4 genotype was found in 3 patients and one person had apoE 2/3. Xanthelasma palpebrarum was present in 4 patients and tendon xanthomas in 3 patients including the homozygote. Premature manifestation of coronary heart disease was revealed in 3 patients. Sixteen patients were treated with statins, a combination of statin and resin was used in 2 patients (including the homozygote), whereas six patients were treated with the diet only. We conclude that although the plasma lipid levels of total and LDL cholesterol in FDB patients are lower than in patients with familial hypercholesterolemia, the patients with FDB suffer from premature atherosclerosis. The therapeutic approach to FDB individuals and patients with familial hypercholesterolemia is very similar.

Haluzík M, Fiedler J, Nedvídková J, Ceska R. · 3rd Medical Department, 1st Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic. · Nutrition. · Pubmed #10869898 No free full text.

Abstract: Leptin is a protein hormone produced by adipocytes that reflects the body fat content. The aim of our study was to compare serum leptin levels in randomly selected untreated males and females with hypercholesterolemia and combined hyperlipidemia and in healthy control subjects matched for age and body mass index and to study the relations between leptin and serum lipids and lipoproteins. No statistically significant differences in serum leptin levels were found between the male control group (5.26 +/- 2.81 ng/mL(-1)) and the male group with hypercholesterolemia (8.16 +/- 3.85 ng/mL(-1)) or combined hyperlipidemia (7.51 +/- 4.83 ng/mL(-1)) and between the female control group (13.0 +/- 8.12 ng/mL(-1)) and the female group with hypercholesterolemia (15.36 +/- 8.89 ng/mL(-1)) or combined hyperlipidemia (18.63 +/- 10.15 ng/mL(-1)). Leptin concentration in male group with hypercholesterolemia did not differ significantly from the female control group; in the other male groups, leptin levels were significantly lower than those of the other female groups. Serum leptin levels in all studied groups except for the male group with hypercholesterolemia positively correlated with body mass index. Serum leptin levels correlated negatively with high-density lipoprotein cholesterol in the female group with hypercholesterolemia (r = -0.67, P < 0.01) and the male group with combined hyperlipidemia (r = -0.56, P < 0.01). A positive correlation between serum leptin and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (r = 0.67, P < 0.01) and between leptin and lipoprotein (a) (r = 0.71, P < 005) was found in female group with combined hyperlipidemia. No other significant relationships between leptin and serum lipids or lipoproteins were found. We conclude that serum leptin levels in patients with hyperlipidemias do not significantly differ from those healthy control subjects matched by age and body mass index.

Spácil J, Ceska R, Petrásek J, Sobra J. · Department of Internal Medicine III, General Teaching Hospital and Charles University School of Medicine I, Prague, Czech Republic. · Int Angiol. · Pubmed #10811520 No free full text.

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Cholesterol lowering in patients with above-average cholesterol levels has been shown to reduce the progression of atherosclerosis. We assess the effects of lipid lowering therapy on the progression of early, preintrusive carotid arterial atherosclerosis in high risk patients with familial hyperlipidaemia free of symptomatic cardiovascular disease. METHODS: Fifty-two patients with familial hyperlipidaemia by were treated by diet and various hypolipidaemic drugs. Eighteen individuals were not taking hypolipidaemic drugs. In a prospective study by B-mode ultrasound we assessed the intima-media thickness of the distal common carotid arterial (CCA) far wall at baseline and after 4 years. RESULTS: In a subgroup of 25 patients with familial hypercholesterolaemia there was a significant decrease in total and LDL cholesterol and reduction in the intima-media thickness (IMT) of the common carotid artery from 0.78+/-0.22 mm to 0.69+/-0.17 mm (p=0.004). In a subgroup of 27 patients with familial combined hyperlipidaemia significant decreases in total and LDL cholesterol and triglycerides were associated with a decrease in the IMT of common carotid. artery from 0.72+/-0.22 mm to 0.67+/-0.15 mm (p=0.044). In 18 individuals, who were not taking hypolipidaemic drugs, there were no significant changes in the levels of cholesterol and triglycerides and in the IMT of the common carotid artery (increase from 0.58+/-0.18 mm to 0.62+/-0.13 mm, p>0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Lipid-lowering therapy in patients with familial hyperlipidaemia free of symptomatic cardiovascular disease reverses the progression of early, preintrusive atherosclerosis of the carotid artery. It is a beneficial sign indicating the possibility for atherosclerosis regression.

Vrablík M, Horínek A, Ceska R, Poledne R, Hubácek M. · III. interní klinika 1. LF UK a VFN, Praha. · Cas Lek Cesk. · Pubmed #10566225 No free full text.

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Apolipoprotein E is a polymorphic protein playing a crucial role in the metabolism of plasma lipoproteins. Three alleles referred to as epsilon 2, epsilon 3 and epsilon 4 code for three common isoforms of apoE. The most frequent allele in the population at large is epsilon 3 allele. epsilon 2 and epsilon 4 alleles are connected with lipoprotein disorders as well as with other diseases. The aim of our study was to establish frequencies of apoE coding alleles in patients with different types of hyperlipidaemia (HLP) and to reveal differences in their distribution in comparison with the general population. METHODS AND RESULTS: Therefore apoE genotype was assayed in 752 patients with primary HLP and 291 subjects randomly selected from the general Czech population. Allele frequencies were determined separately in a group of patients with familial hypercholesterolaemia (FH), polygenic hypercholesterolaemia (PHC), familial combined hyperlipidaemia (FCH) and in patients with type III. hyperlipidaemia (III). In patients with HLP a significantly higher frequency of epsilon 4 allele than in control subjects was found. In the group of FH patients frequency of the epsilon 2 allele was higher than in control subjects. In patients with PHC a significantly higher frequency of the epsilon 4 allele and lower frequency of the epsilon 2 allele were observed. In the group of FCH patients distribution of epsilon alleles did not differ from the control group. Frequency of the epsilon 2 allele in patients with type III. hyperlipidaemia was significantly higher than in controls. CONCLUSIONS: We conclude that there exist significant differences in frequencies of apoE coding alleles between patients with primary hyperlipidaemia and a randomly selected population sample. The revealed differences in allelic distribution suggest that the impact of apoE polymorphism is not uniform in all types of hyperlipidaemia.

Malik J, Stulc T, Ceska R. · No affiliation provided · Circulation. · Pubmed #12778906 links to  free full text

This publication has no abstract.

Stulc T, Vrablík M, Kasalová Z, Ceska R, Marinov I. · No affiliation provided · Atherosclerosis. · Pubmed #12482568 No free full text.

This publication has no abstract.