Slow desaturation and elongation of linoleic and alpha-linolenic acids as a rationale of eicosapentaenoic acid-rich diet to lower blood pressure and serum lipids in normal, hypertensive and hyperlipemic subjects

In normal, hypertensive and hyperlipemic subjects, diets supplemented with linoleic acid (LA) or alpha-linolenic acid (LNA) resulted in an increase of the corresponding fatty acids in serum lipids. However, their C20-derivatives, the prostaglandin precursors arachidonic acid (AA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), respectively, were not or only slightly augmented. On the other hand, an EPA-rich diet produced a marked increase of this fatty acid, especially in cholesterol esters. After this diet the decreases of blood pressure and serum lipids were more pronounced when compared with LA- and LNA-rich diets containing a 20-fold higher dose of the polyunsaturated fatty acids. The slow formation of AA and EPA from LA and LNA seems to be a characteristic finding in humans, being different from preferred laboratory animals, for instance, rats. This observation was independent of the presence of risk factors, like arterial hypertension or hyperlipoproteinemia (HLP).

Blood pressure- and lipid-lowering effect of mackerel and herring diet in patients with mild essential hypertension

Fourteen male patients with mild essential hypertension were put on a mackerel and herring diet within a prescribed isocaloric regimen in a cross-over design for 2 weeks. After mackerel diet eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA-C20:5, n-3) appeared more in cholesterol esters (1.7-11.0%), whereas docosahexaenoic acid (DHA-C22:6, n-3) was predominantly incorporated into serum triglycerides (1.0-8.3%). After herring diet, which contained half as much EPA and DHA, their increase was of minor degree. After mackerel diet serum triglycerides, total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol and lecithin cholesterol acyl transferase (LCAT) activity were significantly decreased (by 28%, 9%, 14% and 14%, respectively), returning to the initial levels 3 months later. On the contrary, HDL cholesterol appeared significantly increased (by 12%). After herring diet the differences were not significant. Serum sodium was significantly lower (by 2%) at the end of the mackerel diet as compared to the initial values. On the other hand, uric acid in serum appeared transiently increased (by 24%) at the end of both dietary periods. A significant decrease (by 8%) in casual systolic blood pressure, measured in recumbent position, could be observed only at the end of the mackerel period. Moreover, the level of systolic and diastolic blood pressure before and during a standardized psychophysiological stress test was significantly lower after mackerel diet. Nevertheless, the increments after stress were similar. Plasma renin activity was increased (by 64%) after mackerel diet.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Influence on serum lipids, lipoproteins and blood pressure of mackerel and herring diet in patients with type IV and V hyperlipoproteinemia

Eight patients with type IV and V hyperlipoproteinemia were put on a mackerel and herring diet of an isocaloric regimen for 2 weeks, in a cross-over design. At the end of the dietary periods a predominant increase of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA - C20:5, n-3) in cholesterol esters and of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA - C22:6, n-3) in serum triglycerides, being more pronounced after mackerel as compared to herring diet, could be confirmed. After mackerel diet serum triglycerides and total cholesterol were significantly lower, returning to basal levels 3 months later. High density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol appeared slightly increased after mackerel diet and decreased to initial values thereafter. After herring diet, which contained half as much EPA as compared to mackerel diet, the differences were minor. The decline of free fatty acids (FFA) and insulin at the end of the mackerel period reached the level of significance 60 min and 120 min, respectively, after glucose load. A significantly lower systolic blood pressure in recumbent and upright position after the mackerel period could be found, whereas diastolic pressure and blood pressure after herring diet remained unchanged.

Localized mutagenesis of the aroE-strA section of the Escherichia coli chromosome coding for ribosomal proteins

In order to obtain E. coli strains altered in ribosomal proteins the following isolation technique was used: Phage P1 grown in a streptomycin resistant E. coli strain, was mutagenized by hydroxylamine or nitrous acid, and was used to transduce into a strain auxotrophic for aroE. Transductants with streptomycin resistance and aroE prototrophy were selected and tested for their growth at various temperatures (20 degrees, 30 degrees and 42 degrees) and their response to different antibiotics. Ribosomes from seventeen transductants with an altered response to temperature or antibiotics were isolated. They were tested for alterations in their ribosomal subunit profiles by sucrose centrifugation and for altered ribosomal proteins by two dimensional gel electrophoresis. Two strains showed accumulation of 50S ribosomal precursors and three strains had an altered 50S protein L18. This protein belongs to the 5S RNA-protein complex having GTPase and ATPase activity.

Pulmonary aspergillosis in childhood. A case report and discussion

An adolescent girl with aspergillosis is presented who demonstrated three different manifestations of the disease process. Therapy included the use of Amphotericin B and two pulmonary resections for aspergillosis. The patient has been stable for one and a half years without any evidence of recurrent disease, after a progressive course going back for some years.