Hyperlipidemias: Durrington PN

Charlton-Menys V, Durrington PN. · No affiliation provided · Clin Chem. · Pubmed #15681559 links to  free full text

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Durrington PN. · No affiliation provided · Clin Chem. · Pubmed #11861429 links to  free full text

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Durrington PN, Illingworth DR. · No affiliation provided · Curr Opin Lipidol. · Pubmed #10945714 No free full text.

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Illingworth DR, Durrington PN. · No affiliation provided · Curr Opin Lipidol. · Pubmed #10554699 No free full text.

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Pandor A, Ara RM, Tumur I, Wilkinson AJ, Paisley S, Duenas A, Durrington PN, Chilcott J. · Health Economics and Decision Science, School of Health and Related Research, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK. · J Intern Med. · Pubmed #19141093 No free full text.

Abstract: OBJECTIVES: To study the evidence on the efficacy and safety of ezetimibe monotherapy for the treatment of primary (heterozygous familial and non-familial) hypercholesterolaemia. DESIGN: Systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs). METHODS: Eleven electronic bibliographic databases covering the biomedical, scientific and grey literature were searched from inception and supplemented by contact with experts in the field. Two reviewers independently determined the eligibility of RCTs, with a minimum treatment duration of 12 weeks, which compared ezetimibe monotherapy (10 mg per day) with placebo. RESULTS: In the absence of data from clinical outcome trials, surrogate endpoints such as changes in lipid concentrations were used as indicators of clinical outcomes. A meta-analysis of eight randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trials (all 12 weeks) showed that ezetimibe monotherapy was associated with a statistically significant mean reduction in LDL cholesterol (from baseline to endpoint) of -18.58%, (95% CI: -19.67 to -17.48, P < 0.00001) compared with placebo. Significant (P < 0.00001) changes were also found in total cholesterol (-13.46%, 95% CI: -14.22 to -12.70), HDL cholesterol (3.00%, 95% CI: 2.06-3.94) and triglyceride levels (-8.06%, 95% CI: -10.92 to -5.20). Ezetimibe monotherapy appeared to be well tolerated with a safety profile similar to placebo. CONCLUSIONS: In a meta-analysis restricted to short-term trials in hypercholesterolaemia, significant potentially favourable changes in lipid and lipoprotein levels relative to baseline occurred with ezetimibe monotherapy. Further long-term studies with cardiovascular and other clinical outcome data are needed to assess the efficacy and safety of ezetimibe more fully.

Bhatnagar D, Soran H, Durrington PN. · University of Manchester Cardiovascular Research Group, Core Technology Facility, Manchester M13 9NT. · BMJ. · Pubmed #18719012 No free full text.

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Charlton-Menys V, Durrington PN. · Cardiovascular Research Group, School of Clinical & Laboratory Sciences, Core Technology Facility (3rd Floor), University of Manchester, 46 Grafton Street, Manchester M13 9NT, UK. · Exp Physiol. · Pubmed #18165431 links to  free full text

Abstract: There has been a fascinating interplay between the discovery of some of the key enzymes, receptors and transporters in cholesterol biosynthesis and transfer and the development of drugs for the regulation of cholesterol metabolism. The discovery of the low-density lipoprotein (LDL) receptor led to the realization that circulating LDL cholesterol could be decreased when hepatic LDL receptor expression was stimulated by decreasing intrahepatic cholesterol levels. The first class of drugs which operate in this way were the bile-acid sequestrating agents, which, by interrupting the enterohepatic circulation of bile acids, deplete the liver of cholesterol used to replenish the pool of bile salts. Ezetimibe, which was developed to block cholesterol absorption from the intestine, led to the discovery of the Nieman-Pick C1-Like 1 sterol transporter channel. The statins, which have proved enormously successful in preventing cardiovascular disease, were discovered amongst fungal metabolites which inhibit hydroxyl methyl CoA reductase, the rate-limiting enzyme for hepatic cholesterol biosynthesis. Drugs which block enzymes at other stages of the cholesterol biosynthetic pathway, particularly the squalene synthase inhibitors, are entering the clinical phase of their development. Drugs which interfere with hepatic very low-density lipoprotein assembly in the liver, such as microsomal triglyceride transfer protein inhibitors and apolipoprotein B mRNA antisense oligonucleotides, are currently undergoing evaluation. Cholesteryl ester transfer protein (CETP) inhibitors, which decrease cholesteryl ester heteroexchange within the circulation, have undergone development to the point of clinical evaluation, and this will eventually settle the controversy about whether CETP is pro- or antiatherogenic.

Joy T, Cao H, Black G, Malik R, Charlton-Menys V, Hegele RA, Durrington PN. · Department of Vascular Biology and Medicine, Robarts Research Institute and Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, Canada. · Orphanet J Rare Dis. · Pubmed #18154657 links to  free full text

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Alstrom syndrome (AS) is a rare autosomal recessive disease characterized by multiorgan dysfunction. The key features are childhood obesity, blindness due to congenital retinal dystrophy, and sensorineural hearing loss. Associated endocrinologic features include hyperinsulinemia, early-onset type 2 diabetes, and hypertriglyceridemia. Thus, AS shares several features with the common metabolic syndrome, namely obesity, hyperinsulinemia, and hypertriglyceridemia. Mutations in the ALMS1 gene have been found to be causative for AS with a total of 79 disease-causing mutations having been described. CASE PRESENTATION: We describe the case of a 27-year old female from an English (Caucasian) kindred. She had been initially referred for hypertriglyceridemia, but demonstrated other features suggestive of AS, including blindness, obesity, type 2 diabetes, renal dysfunction, and hypertension. DNA analysis revealed that she is a compound heterozygote with two novel mutations in the ALMS1 gene - H3882Y and V424I. Examination of her family revealed that her phenotypically unaffected mother and younger sister also had heterozygous mutations in the ALMS1 gene. In addition to presenting these novel molecular findings for AS, we review the clinical and genetic features of AS in the context of our case. CONCLUSION: Two novel mutations in the ALMS1 gene causative for AS have been reported here, thereby increasing the number of reported mutations to 81 and providing a wider basis for mutational screening among affected individuals.

Bhatnagar D, Durrington PN. · University of Manchester, Department of Medicine, Manchester Royal Infirmary, UK. · Int J Clin Pract. · Pubmed #12800463 No free full text.

Abstract: Fatty acids are an important source of energy which can have an influence on serum lipids. Omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, both polyunsaturated fatty acids, have been advocated as replacement for saturated fat. Omega-3 fatty acids, derived from fish and certain green plants, lower serum triglycerides, but they have also been shown to have a direct effect on myocardial contractility, blood pressure, platelet function, coagulation factors, cell-mediated immunity and markers of inflammation. Recently available clinical trial data, including those using the concentrated omega-3 fatty acid preparation Omacor, indicate that omega-3 fatty acids are valuable in preventing sudden death following myocardial infarction. Studies indicate that omega-3 fatty acids are just as effective as, or have a benefit superior to, statins in secondary prevention. Omacor is also useful in the treatment of hypertriglyceridaemia, both as monotherapy and in combination with statins.

Durrington PN. · Department of Medicine, University of Manchester, Manchester Royal Infirmary, UK. · Baillieres Best Pract Res Clin Endocrinol Metab. · Pubmed #10761866 No free full text.

Abstract: The risk of coronary heart disease and atherosclerosis is increased in both Type 2 and Type I diabetes mellitus. The dyslipidaemia of Type 2 diabetes consists of hypertriglyceridaemia and low levels of high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol. In Type I diabetes, hypertriglyceridaemia is also present, but when glycaemic control is good, HDL cholesterol levels may be normal or even increased. In both types of diabetes, nephropathy is associated with an exacerbation of hypertriglyceridaemia, a decline in HDL cholesterol level and an increase in serum cholesterol. In the absence of nephropathy, serum cholesterol levels are typically similar to those of the background non-diabetic population. The risk of coronary heart disease (CHD) associated with serum cholesterol is, however, considerably higher in diabetics than in non-diabetic people, and is much less in diabetic populations living in countries where the average cholesterol level is low, even when hypertension is present. Currently, the strongest evidence that lipid-lowering drug therapy will decrease the risk of CHD, particularly in secondary prevention, comes from trials of statins that lower cholesterol. There is growing experimental and observational evidence that hypertriglyceridaemia, because of its effects on cholesteryl ester transfer, leading to the formation of a small low-density lipoprotein susceptible to oxidation, compounds the risk of serum cholesterol in diabetes. Both fibrates and statins can decrease this cholesteryl ester transfer. Further studies of fibrates with clinical end-points should clarify their role in the prevention of CHD. In the meantime, statins should be part of routine diabetic clinical practice, fibrates having a more limited role when hypertriglyceridaemia is extreme.

Durrington PN, Tuomilehto J, Hamann A, Kallend D, Smith K. · University of Manchester, Department of Medicine, Manchester Royal Infirmary, Oxford Road, Manchester M13 9WL, UK. · Diabetes Res Clin Pract. · Pubmed #15063607 No free full text.

Abstract: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of rosuvastatin and fenofibrate alone and in combination in type 2 diabetes associated with combined hyperlipidaemia. A total of 216 patients with total cholesterol >/=200 mg/dl (>/=5.17 mmol/l) and triglycerides >/=200 and <800 mg/dl (>/=2.26 and <9.03 mmol/l) were randomised to one of two placebo groups, rosuvastatin 5 mg or rosuvastatin 10 mg for 6 weeks (fixed-dose phase). During the subsequent 18-week dose-titration phase, one placebo group received titrated rosuvastatin 10, 20 and 40 mg (placebo/rosuvastatin); one placebo group received titrated fenofibrate 67 mg once, twice and three times daily (placebo/fenofibrate); and patients receiving 5 or 10 mg rosuvastatin received titrated fenofibrate as above (rosuvastatin 5mg/fenofibrate and rosuvastatin 10 mg/fenofibrate groups). Doses were increased at 6-week intervals if low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol remained >50 mg/dl (>1.3 mmol/l). At 24 weeks, the placebo/rosuvastatin group and placebo per fenofibrate group had triglyceride reductions of 30.3% versus 33.6%, respectively (P = NS), and LDL cholesterol was reduced by 46.7% in the rosuvastatin group and increased by 0.7% in the fenofibrate group (P < 0.001). The triglyceride reduction in the rosuvastatin 10 mg/fenofibrate group (47.1%) was significantly greater than in the placebo/rosuvastatin group (P = 0.001), with no significant differences in other lipid measures found between these two groups. No significant differences in effect on high-density lipoprotein (HDL) were observed among treatment groups. In the fixed-dose phase, rosuvastatin 5 and 10 mg reduced triglycerides by 24.5 and 29.5%, respectively, and decreased LDL cholesterol by 40.7 and 45.8%, respectively. All treatments were well tolerated. These results indicated that rosuvastatin produces marked reductions in triglycerides and LDL cholesterol when used alone or in combination with fenofibrate in type 2 diabetes patients with elevated cholesterol and triglyceride levels and may constitute a valuable treatment option in the diabetic population.

Soedamah-Muthu SS, Colhoun HM, Thomason MJ, Betteridge DJ, Durrington PN, Hitman GA, Fuller JH, Julier K, Mackness MI, Neil HA, Anonymous00138. · Royal Free and University College London Medical School, London, UK. · Atherosclerosis. · Pubmed #12818407 No free full text.

Abstract: The effect of statin therapy on subclasses of LDL, VLDL and HDL lipoproteins is unclear. We compared changes in serum lipids, apolipoproteins and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy measured lipoprotein subclass concentration and average particle size over a minimum 6 months treatment period of atorvastatin 10 mg vs. placebo in 122 men and women. All subjects had type 2 diabetes and a modest dyslipidaemia (mean LDL-cholesterol 3.2 mmol/l and median triglycerides 1.8 mmol/l) and had a previous myocardial infarction. Compared with placebo, atorvastatin therapy was associated with a greater decrease in medium VLDL (median within person change -13.4 vs. -5.9 nmol/l, P<0.001 adjusted for baseline level), small VLDL (median change -17.8 vs. -8.1 nmol/l, P=0.002), large LDL (mean within person change -167.9 vs. -48.6 nmol/l, P<0.001) and medium LDL (median within person change -101.8 vs. -22.3 nmol/l, P=0.017). Atorvastatin therapy was also associated with a greater increase in large HDL than placebo (median change 1.40 vs. 0.80 micromol/l, P=0.02) and there was little change in small HDL so that average HDL particle size increased significantly with atorvastatin (P=0.04). In addition to reducing levels of (enzymatically measured) triglyceride, LDL-cholesterol and apolipoprotein B in diabetic patients, atorvastatin significantly reduces NMR measured medium and small VLDL and large and medium LDL, and increases large HDL.

Durrington PN, Bhatnagar D, Mackness MI, Morgan J, Julier K, Khan MA, France M. · University Department of Medicine, Manchester Royal Infirmary, Oxford Road, Manchester M13 9WL, UK. · Heart. · Pubmed #11303007 links to  free full text

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Omega-3 fatty acids, such as those present in fish oil, have been reported to prolong life in myocardial infarction survivors. These fatty acids can decrease serum triglyceride concentrations, but so far the doses used in trials examining their effects on coronary end points have had only minimal triglyceride lowering effects. OBJECTIVE: To examine the triglyceride lowering effectiveness, safety, and tolerability of Omacor, a concentrate of omega-3, long chain, polyunsaturated fatty acids from fish oil (84% of the total as opposed to an average of 35% in fish oil) over one year in patients with established coronary heart disease (CHD) and persisting hypertriglyceridaemia, despite receiving simvastatin in doses similar to those employed in the Scandinavian simvastatin survival study. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: 59 patients with CHD, receiving simvastatin 10-40 mg daily with serum triglycerides > 2.3 mmol/l, were randomised to receive Omacor 2 g twice a day or placebo for 24 weeks in a double blind trial. Forty six patients accepted the offer of active treatment for a further 24 weeks in an open phase of the trial. RESULTS: There was a sustained significant decrease in serum triglycerides by 20-30% (p < 0.005) and in very low density lipoprotein (VLDL) cholesterol by 30-40% (p < 0.005) in patients receiving active Omacor at three, six, and 12 months compared either to baseline or placebo. Omacor did not have any deleterious effect on low density or high density lipoprotein cholesterol or on biochemical and haematological safety tests. There was no adverse effect on glycaemic control in patients with diabetes, who showed a decrease in serum triglyceride, which was at least as great as in non-diabetic patients. One patient receiving placebo died of acute myocardial infarction. Three patients withdrew from the trial (two on placebo and one on active treatment). Omacor was generally well tolerated. CONCLUSION: Omacor was found to be a safe and effective means of lowering serum triglycerides over one year in patients with CHD and combined hyperlipidaemia, whose triglycerides remained elevated despite simvastatin treatment.

Hanefeld M, Deslypere JP, Ose L, Durrington PN, Farnier M, Schmage N. · Institute and Polyclinic for Clinical Metabolism Research, University Clinic Carl Gustav Carus of the Technology University, Dresden, Germany. · J Int Med Res. · Pubmed #10505301 No free full text.

Abstract: This study examined the action of cerivastatin, a new statin, in subjects with primary hypercholesterolaemia. The effects of two oral doses of cerivastatin (400 micrograms/day or 300 micrograms/day) were compared with placebo in 349 patients using a multicentre, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study design. Cerivastatin treatment lasted 8 weeks and produced significant reductions in low density lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-C) levels from baseline compared with placebo. The reduction in LDL-C was significantly greater with 400 micrograms than with 300 micrograms cerivastatin. When responder rates were examined, the higher (400 micrograms/day) cerivastatin dose was found to be more effective in producing larger (> 40%) reductions in LDL-C levels. Cerivastatin treatment was well tolerated. Only two withdrawals due to adverse events during active treatment occurred, neither of which was considered to be due to the study medication. In addition, no clinically relevant increases in the levels of creatine phosphokinase and hepatic transaminases (alanine transaminase and aspartate transaminase) compared with placebo were seen in this study. In conclusion, cerivastatin treatment produced a significant lowering of LDL-C levels, with the higher dose providing the greatest benefit.

Weiner K, Durrington PN. · Institute for Science and Society, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK. · Community Genet. · Pubmed #18493125 No free full text.

Abstract: AIMS: To explore patients' understanding and experiences of familial hypercholesterolemia (FH) and the significance of the hereditary aspect of the condition. METHODS: A qualitative study undertaken at a large lipid clinic in the north of England, involving semistructured interviews with 31 patients with definite FH, aged 18 years or over, who had attended the clinic for at least 6 months. RESULTS: Participants' explanations of FH and coronary heart disease (CHD) were not focused on heredity. FH was regarded as controllable and CHD as avoidable. Many participants had apparently been unaware of a family history of CHD or hypercholesterolemia prior to their own diagnosis. It was unclear how much information was communicated among relatives. While the testing of children was generally not viewed as a problem, there was some concern about young people worrying about or resisting diagnosis. CONCLUSION: The study suggests that people with FH do not view genes/heredity as having a deterministic role in causing heart disease and that FH is largely seen as unproblematic in the long term. Nevertheless, particular support may be needed when diagnosing children and young adults. The communication of information in families is unpredictable and this has important implications for the organization of screening programs.

Barter PJ, Ballantyne CM, Carmena R, Castro Cabezas M, Chapman MJ, Couture P, de Graaf J, Durrington PN, Faergeman O, Frohlich J, Furberg CD, Gagne C, Haffner SM, Humphries SE, Jungner I, Krauss RM, Kwiterovich P, Marcovina S, Packard CJ, Pearson TA, Reddy KS, Rosenson R, Sarrafzadegan N, Sniderman AD, Stalenhoef AF, Stein E, Talmud PJ, Tonkin AM, Walldius G, Williams KM. · Heart Research Institute, Camperdown, Sydney, NSW, Australia. · J Intern Med. · Pubmed #16476102 No free full text.

Abstract: There is abundant evidence that the risk of atherosclerotic vascular disease is directly related to plasma cholesterol levels. Accordingly, all of the national and transnational screening and therapeutic guidelines are based on total or LDL cholesterol. This presumes that cholesterol is the most important lipoprotein-related proatherogenic risk variable. On the contrary, risk appears to be more directly related to the number of circulating atherogenic particles that contact and enter the arterial wall than to the measured concentration of cholesterol in these lipoprotein fractions. Each of the atherogenic lipoprotein particles contains a single molecule of apolipoprotein (apo) B and therefore the concentration of apo B provides a direct measure of the number of circulating atherogenic lipoproteins. Evidence from fundamental, epidemiological and clinical trial studies indicates that apo B is superior to any of the cholesterol indices to recognize those at increased risk of vascular disease and to judge the adequacy of lipid-lowering therapy. On the basis of this evidence, we believe that apo B should be included in all guidelines as an indicator of cardiovascular risk. In addition, the present target adopted by the Canadian guideline groups of an apo B <90 mg dL(-1) in high-risk patients should be reassessed in the light of the new clinical trial results and a new ultra-low target of <80 mg dL(-1) be considered. The evidence also indicates that the apo B/apo A-I ratio is superior to any of the conventional cholesterol ratios in patients without symptomatic vascular disease or diabetes to evaluate the lipoprotein-related risk of vascular disease.

Beeharry D, Coupe B, Benbow EW, Morgan J, Kwok S, Charlton-Menys V, France M, Durrington PN. · University of Manchester, Division of Cardiovascular and Endocrine Science, Department of Medicine, Manchester Royal Infirmary, Oxford Road, Manchester M13, UK. · Ann Rheum Dis. · Pubmed #16176995 links to  free full text

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Patients with heterozygous familial hypercholesterolaemia (HeFH) develop tendon xanthomata (TX), most commonly in their Achilles tendons. Even before tendons are chronically enlarged, tenosynovitis may occur and medical advice be sought. Untreated HeFH carries a high risk of premature coronary heart disease, which can be ameliorated by early diagnosis. OBJECTIVE: To determine the prevalence of episodes of Achilles tendon pain in HeFH before its diagnosis. METHODS: Patients with definite HeFH (Simon Broome criteria) attending a lipid clinic were identified. They completed a questionnaire asking about symptoms relating to their Achilles tendons. Unaffected spouses or cohabiting partners served as controls. RESULTS: 133 patients (47% men) and 87 controls (51% men) participated. TX had been recognised by the referring physicians in <5% of cases. However, 62 (46.6% (95% confidence interval (CI) 38.1 to 55.1)) patients had experienced one or more episodes of pain in one or both Achilles tendons lasting >3 days, whereas only 6 (6.9% (1.6 to 12.2)) controls had done so (difference p<0.001; likelihood ratio 6.75). Typically, in the patients with HeFH the pain lasted 4 days (median). It was described as severe or very severe in 24/62 (38.7% (30.4 to 47.0)) patients with HeFH, but never more than moderate in controls. 35 (26.3% (18.8 to 33.8)) patients with HeFH had consulted a doctor about Achilles tendon pain, but in no case had this led to a diagnosis of HeFH. None of the controls had consulted a doctor. CONCLUSIONS: Measurement of serum cholesterol in patients presenting with painful Achilles tendon could lead to early diagnosis of HeFH.

Neil HA, Hawkins MM, Durrington PN, Betteridge DJ, Capps NE, Humphries SE, Anonymous00183. · Division Public Health and Primary Health Care, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 7LF, UK. · Atherosclerosis. · Pubmed #15777544 No free full text.

Abstract: BACKGROUND: The prognosis from coronary heart disease (CHD) for patients with heterozygous familial hypercholesterolaemia has improved substantially since the introduction of HMG Co-A reductase inhibitors (statins), but the effect of lipid-lowering drug therapy combined with dietary and life style advice on non-coronary mortality and the risk of fatal cancer is unclear. METHODS: The cohort of 2871 patients was recruited from 21 outpatient lipid clinics in the UK from 1980 to 1998 and was followed for 22,992 person-years. The standardised mortality ratio (SMR) was calculated from the ratio of the number of deaths observed to the number expected in the general population of England and Wales. RESULTS: There were 169 deaths, including 102 (60.4%) from CHD, and 32 (18.9%) from cancer. The SMR for CHD was 2.5-fold higher than in the general population (95% CI 2.1, 3.1), but the all-cause SMR was not increased (1.1, 95% CI 0.9, 1.3) and non-coronary mortality was significantly lower in men (0.5, 95% CI 0.3, 0.7) and women (0.6, 95% CI 0.4, 0.9). The SMR for all cancers was significantly reduced (0.6, 95% CI 0.4, 0.8) with an 80% reduction in fatal cancers of the respiratory and intra-thoracic organs and a non-significant reduction in fatal cancers of the genitourinary and digestive organs. CONCLUSIONS: Although the study cannot exclude the possibility that statins have anti-cancer activity, the results strongly suggest that giving advice to consume a healthy diet, increase physical activity and stop smoking is associated with a substantial reduction in mortality from cancer.

Neil HA, Seagroatt V, Betteridge DJ, Cooper MP, Durrington PN, Miller JP, Seed M, Naoumova RP, Thompson GR, Huxley R, Humphries SE. · Division of Public Health & Primary Health Care, Institute of Health Sciences, University of Oxford, Old Road, Headington, Oxford OX3 7LF, UK. · Heart. · Pubmed #15547022 links to  free full text

Abstract: OBJECTIVES: To assess the clinical and biochemical factors associated with inter-individual variation in susceptibility to coronary artery disease (CAD) in treated heterozygous familial hypercholesterolaemia. DESIGN: A cross sectional study was conducted of 410 patients recruited from six lipid clinics in the UK. RESULTS: CAD was documented in 104 of the 211 men and in 55 of the 199 women with mean ages of onset of 43.1 and 46.5 years, respectively. CAD was significantly more common in men (49% v 28%, p < 0.001) and in patients who had smoked cigarettes versus patients who had never smoked (51% v 28%, p < 0.001). After adjusting for age, sex, and current smoking status, there were no significant differences between patients with or without CAD in lipoprotein(a), homocysteine, fibrinogen, plasminogen activator inhibitor-1, white blood cell count, body mass index, glucose, triglyceride or total cholesterol. However, high density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol concentrations were significantly lower in those with CAD (6%, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1% to 11%, p = 0.03) and this difference was greater in women than men (12% v 2%, p = 0.041). CONCLUSIONS: These results indicate that emerging coronary risk factors appear not to be associated with CAD in adults with treated familial hypercholesterolaemia, but the strong association with smoking suggests that patients should be identified early in childhood and discouraged from ever starting to smoke.

El-Magadmi M, Bodill H, Ahmad Y, Durrington PN, Mackness M, Walker M, Bernstein RM, Bruce IN. · University of Manchester arc Epidemiology Unit, Manchester Royal Infirmary, Central Manchester and Manchester Children's University Hospitals NHS Trust, Manchester, UK. · Circulation. · Pubmed #15262847 links to  free full text

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients have a significantly increased risk of coronary heart disease (CHD) that is not fully explained by classic risk factors. Endothelial dysfunction is an early stage in the process of atherogenesis. Our aim was to determine whether endothelial dysfunction occurs in SLE and whether it is associated with the occurrence of classic Framingham risk factors. METHODS AND RESULTS: We studied 62 women with SLE (1997 revised criteria) and 38 healthy women. Demographic and risk factor data were collected. In patients, disease activity and treatment-related parameters were also assessed. Endothelial function was assessed by flow-mediated dilation (FMD) in the brachial artery in response to reactive hyperemia. Carotid intima-media thickness (IMT) and the presence of carotid plaques were also assessed in SLE patients. FMD was impaired in SLE patients (median, 3.6%; range, -6.3% to 13.7%; versus median, 6.9%; range, -6.6% to 17.8%, P<0.01). Using multiple regression analysis that included all subjects in which we retained all the classic CHD risk factors, we found that systolic blood pressure (P=0.019) and SLE (P=0.017) were significantly associated with impaired FMD. Within SLE patients, IMT showed a negative correlation with percent FMD (r=-0.37, P<0.01). In stepwise multiple regression of SLE patients only that also included SLE factors and IMT, IMT alone was independently associated with FMD (P=0.037). CONCLUSIONS: Patients with SLE have endothelial dysfunction that remained significant even after adjustment for other classic CHD risk factors. Within SLE patients, endothelial dysfunction correlates negatively with IMT, another marker of early atherosclerosis. Understanding the mechanism(s) of endothelial dysfunction in SLE may suggest novel strategies for CHD prevention in this context.

Menys VC, Liu Y, Mackness MI, Kwok S, Caslake MJ, Stewart G, Durrington PN. · Department of Medicine, Manchester Royal Infirmary, Oxford Road, Manchester M13 9WL, UK. · Clin Chem Lab Med. · Pubmed #15061377 No free full text.

Abstract: Small-dense low-density lipoprotein (SD-LDL) is associated with coronary heart disease risk. Current methods for its quantification are expensive, complex and time-consuming. Plasma was adjusted to a density (D) of 1.044 g/ml in a volume of 0.18 ml and centrifuged in a Beckman Airfuge at 160 000 x g for 3 h 7 min and apolipoprotein B (apoB) then determined in the infranatant. Results were compared with centrifugation of 5 ml of plasma at D = 1.044 g/ml at 144 000 x g for 18 h in a preparative ultracentrifuge (UC). We obtained blood samples from healthy subjects (n = 73) and from dyslipidaemic patients (n = 112). SD-LDL apoB levels as determined using the UC method ranged from 0.01-0.43 g/l and there was a good correlation with Airfuge results (r = 0.925; p < 0.0001; n = 185). There was a mean difference of 0.0125 g/l between methods. SD-LDL apoB levels as determined using the Airfuge showed a reasonable agreement with results obtained using density gradient ultracentrifugation (r = 0.773; p < 0.01; n = 12). Airfuge results correlated directly with triglyceride concentration, in both healthy men (r = 0.296; p < 0.05) and dyslipidaemic men (r = 0.520; p < 0.001) and also in dyslipidaemic women (r = 0.463; p < 0.005). Airfuge results correlated inversely with high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (HDL-C) concentration, in both healthy men (r = -0.237; p < 0.05) and dyslipidaemic men (r = -0.293; p < 0.005). Using a micro-method, we obtained results which establish that the Airfuge provides a more rapid and less expensive method for quantification of SD-LDL.

Neil HA, Huxley RR, Hawkins MM, Durrington PN, Betteridge DJ, Humphries SE, Anonymous00021. · Division Public Health and Primary Health Care, Institute for Health Sciences, University of Oxford, Headington, Oxford, UK. · Atherosclerosis. · Pubmed #12957684 No free full text.

Abstract: BACKGROUND: A clinical diagnosis of familial hypercholesterolaemia (FH) is often made in the absence of tendon xanthomata (TX), which are not usually present before the fourth decade of life. The prognosis of treated non-xanthomatous (TX-) FH is uncertain and the objective of this study was to compare mortality from coronary heart disease (CHD) in patients with treated TX+ (definite) and TX- (possible) heterozygous FH. METHODS: A diagnosis of definite or possible FH was based on raised cholesterol levels (>7.5 mmol/l) and a family history of premature CHD or hypercholesterolaemia. Patients were recruited from 21 outpatient lipid clinics in the UK from 1980 to 1998. The cohort of 1569 patients with TX+ FH were followed for 12754 person years and the cohort of 1302 patients with TX- FH for 10238 person years. The standardised mortality ratio (SMR) was calculated from the ratio of the number of deaths observed to the number expected in the general population of England and Wales (SMR=100 for reference population). FINDINGS AND DISCUSSION: CHD accounted for 64 (63%) of the 102 deaths in the TX+ cohort and 38 (57%) of the 67 deaths in the TX- cohort with the SMR for a fatal coronary event being, respectively, 294 (95% confidence interval 228, 380, P<0.00001) and 205 (95% CI 145, 282, P=0.0001). The similarly elevated CHD mortality risk suggests that, in adulthood, both groups of patients should be treated equally aggressively with HMG Co A reductase inhibitors (statins).

Menys VC, Liu Y, Mackness MI, Caslake MJ, Kwok S, Durrington PN. · Department of Medicine, Manchester Royal Infirmary, Oxford Road, M13 9WL, Manchester, UK. · Clin Chim Acta. · Pubmed #12867279 No free full text.

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Existing methods for detecting small-dense low-density lipoprotein (SD-LDL) are either semiquantitative (e.g., gradient gel electrophoresis) or require specialised laboratory methods (e.g., density-gradient ultracentrifugation, DGU). METHODS: We report a method in which plasma was adjusted to a density (D) of 1.044 and 1.060 g/ml, respectively, in two tubes, both of which underwent ultracentrifugation (UC). A measure of SD-LDL apolipoprotein B (apo B) was obtained by subtraction of the apo B concentration in D>1.060 g/ml lipoproteins from that in D>1.044 g/ml lipoproteins to correct for apo B associated with lipoprotein (a) [Lp(a)]. This procedure was evaluated in paired plasma samples in healthy men (n=62) and in age-matched healthy women (n=74) and in age-matched primary dyslipidaemic men (n=72) and women (n=29) and compared with an established density-gradient ultracentrifugation (DGU) method. RESULTS: The dyslipidaemic patients had either decreased high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) and/or increased triglycerides. In dyslipidaemic men, SD-LDL apo B level (23 [5-77] mg/dl) was significantly higher than in healthy men (P<0.001). In dyslipidaemic women, the SD-LDL apo B levels (11 [4-71] mg/dl) were significantly higher than in healthy women (7 [1-45] mg/dl; P<0.005). The concentration of SD-LDL apo B correlated inversely with HDL-C in both women (r=-0.280: P<0.005) and men (r=-0.464; P<0.0001) and positively with triglyceride concentration in both women (r=0.213; P<0.05) and men (r=0.592: P<0.0001). Correction for apo B in Lp(a) increased the analytical variation, which was 12% for apo B at D=1.044-1.060 g/ml and 9% for apo B measured at D>1.044 g/ml. Although the correlation between the new method and DGU results was high (r=0.830; P<0.0001, n=43), the concentration of apo B at D>1.044 g/ml correlated strongly with both corrected results (r=0.978; P<0.0001; n=237) and also with SD-LDL isolated using the DGU method (r=0.832; P<0.0001). Results at D>1.044 g/ml showed the expected correlations both with HDL-C (r=-0.465: P<0.0001) and triglycerides (r=0.526; P<0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: The new method gave results consistent with earlier published findings using other techniques. Further simplification of the method using a single-density spin at D>1.044 g/ml appears feasible and may provide an easier quantitative method for clinical use.

Durrington PN. · University of Manchester Clinical Research Division II, Manchester Royal Infirmary, UK. · Lancet. · Pubmed #11558479 No free full text.

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Bhatnagar D, Morgan J, Siddiq S, Mackness MI, Miller JP, Durrington PN. · University of Manchester, Department of Medicine, Manchester Royal Infirmary, Manchester M13 9WL, UK. · BMJ. · Pubmed #11118175 links to  free full text

Abstract: OBJECTIVES: To assess the feasibility of detecting new cases of heterozygous familial hypercholesterolaemia by using a nurse led genetic register. DESIGN: Case finding among relatives of patients with familial hypercholesterolaemia. SETTING: Two lipid clinics in central and south Manchester. SUBJECTS: 259 (137 men and 122 women) probands and 285 first degree relatives. RESULTS: Of the 200 first degree relatives tested, 121 (60%) had inherited familial hypercholesterolaemia. The newly diagnosed patients were younger than the probands and were generally detected before they had clinically overt atherosclerosis. Concentrations of serum cholesterol were, respectively, 8.4 (1.7 SD) mmol/l and 8.1 (1.9 SD) mmol/l in affected men and women and 5.6 (1.0 SD) mmol/l and 5.6 (1.1 SD) mmol/l in unaffected men and women. Screening for risk factors as recommended in recent guidelines for coronary heart disease prevention would have failed to identify most of the affected relatives in whom hypertension, diabetes mellitus, cigarette smoking, and obesity were uncommon. CONCLUSIONS: By performing cholesterol tests on 200 relatives, 121 new patients with familial hypercholesterolaemia were discovered. Because 1 in 500 people in the United Kingdom are affected by this condition, to detect a similar number by population screening over 60 000 tests would be required, and only a few of these patients would have been detected had cholesterol testing been restricted to those with other risk factors for coronary heart disease. A case exists for organising a genetic register approach, linking lipid clinics nationally.