[Subcutaneous injection of fatty tissue pearls--experimental study and clinical applications]

In 20 female adult rats, fatty tissue of 0.6 or 1.2 g was taken from each side of the pelvis. One fatty block, after being cut into pearls of about 2 mm in diameter, was injected subcutaneously to the left side of the back while another was transplanted en bloc in the right side. The rats were randomized into four groups and samples of fat were taken at 3, 6, 12 and 24 weeks. After 24 weeks, the sample from left side was found to be 21.1% of its original weight while the right side was only 6.9% (P < 0.05). In clinical practice, subcutaneous fat was sucked out from submandibular or abdominal regions, cut into pearls of 2-3 mm in diameter and injected to depressed area, such as glabella or naso-labial grooves. The procedure was applied to 27 sites of 15 cases. Follow-up of 6 months showed satisfactory results in 51.9%, acceptable in 18.5% and no effect in 29.6%.

Microalbuminuria in young adults related to blood pressure in a biracial (black-white) population. The Bogalusa Heart Study

The association between microalbuminuria and blood pressure levels was examined in young white and black adults (n = 1131) aged 19 to 32 years. Urinary ratio of albumin (mg/L) to creatinine (mmol/L) was used as an estimation of urinary albumin excretion. Black men and women compared with their white counterparts had higher levels of blood pressure. Significantly positive correlations between urinary albumin excretion and systolic and diastolic blood pressures were observed in black men (r = 0.20 and r = 0.24, P < .01) and black women (r = 0.15 and r = 0.14, P < .05). Similar correlations of significance were not seen in the white counterparts. Systolic and diastolic blood pressure levels were significantly higher in normotensive black subjects (< 140/90 mm Hg) with increased urinary albumin excretion (> or = 90th percentile) than in those without increased urinary albumin excretion. After accounting for potential confounding by age, sex, and body mass index, blacks in the uppermost systolic and diastolic blood pressure group were 7.1 times (95% CI, 2.0 to 25.8) and 4.8 times (1.3 to 18.3), respectively, as likely to have elevated albumin/creatinine excretion as those in the lowest group. In contrast, the likelihood for elevated albumin/creatinine excretion were 0.9 times (95% CI, 0.5 to 2.2) and 1.1 times (0.5 to 2.3), respectively, in whites, which were not significant. These data suggest that a stronger association between blood pressure levels and urinary albumin excretion exists in young blacks than in whites, which supports the notion that blacks may be more susceptible to renal damage from relatively low levels of blood pressure increases.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Persistence of multiple cardiovascular risk clustering related to syndrome X from childhood to young adulthood. The Bogalusa Heart Study

BACKGROUND

Cardiovascular risk factors are known to persist over time and to cluster both in childhood and adulthood. Less is known about the persistence of clustering of multiple cardiovascular risk factors comprising adverse levels of systolic blood pressure, the ratio of total cholesterol to high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and plasma insulin from childhood to young adulthood.

METHODS

In a community study of cardiovascular risk, 1176 individuals (52% female, 44% black) aged 5 through 17 years at baseline were followed up for 8 years.

RESULTS

Calculated as sum of the race-, sex-, and age-specific rankings of systolic blood pressure, insulin level, and total to high-density lipoprotein cholesterol ratio, the multiple risk index was shown to track in all four race-sex groups (year 1 vs year 8 correlations, .54 to .67). The magnitude of the overall multiple risk index tracking correlation (r = .64) was significantly stronger than that noted for individual risk factors (r = .34 to .57). Among subjects who were initially in the highest quintile of the multiple risk index, 61% remained there 8 years later. Tracking of the multiple risk index increased progressively with age and ponderal index (weight/[height3]). In a step-wise regression analysis, baseline multiple risk index score, baseline ponderal index, change in ponderal index, and change in height were predictive of the multiple risk index score on follow-up. These predictors explained 45% to 60% of the variability in multiple risk index scores among the race-sex groups.

CONCLUSIONS

The persistence of multiple cardiovascular risk clustering from childhood to adulthood and the impact of obesity in this regard point to the need for preventive measures aimed at developing healthy lifestyles early in life.

The amount of cholesterol relative to apolipoprotein B in low-density lipoproteins relates primarily to high-density lipoprotein cholesterol in children: the Bogalusa Heart Study

Serum low-density lipoprotein (LDL) particles vary in size, composition, and atherogenic potential. Relationships between the ratio of cholesterol to apolipoprotein B (apo B) within LDL, and levels of other lipoprotein variables in serum were examined in a biracial (black-white) sample (N = 2,053) of 8- to 17-year-olds whose median triglyceride level remained relatively low (56 mg/dL). The LDL cholesterol to apo B ratio showed a significant positive association with high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol (r = .36 to .44), HDL2 cholesterol (r = .34 to .50), HDL3 cholesterol (in whites only, r = .24 to .28), and apo A-I (r = .17 to .27), and a significant inverse association with triglycerides (except in black girls, r = -.15 to -.19). The best predictor of the LDL cholesterol to apo B ratio was HDL cholesterol or HDL2 cholesterol in all four race-gender groups; triglycerides entered as a predictor variable only in black boys. Since relationships of LDL and HDL to coronary heart disease (CHD) risk are considered interdependent, a subgroup of children with apo B-enriched LDL and low HDL cholesterol may be potentially at increased risk.

Epidemiology of early primary hypertension and implications for prevention: the Bogalusa Heart Study

Epidemiological studies of BPs in children and young adults over the past 20 years have contributed considerably to understanding the early onset of primary hypertension. Observations from autopsies and echocardiographic studies, together with long-term BP studies, of children clearly indicate that primary hypertension begins in early childhood. Although abnormal BP levels in children are much lower than the adult criteria used for clinical diagnosis of hypertension, essential hypertension is identifiable in early life. Complex haemodynamic and metabolic mechanisms related to essential hypertension are also being identified in childhood. The development of intervention programs in an attempt to prevent hypertension in its early phases suggests hypertensive cardiovascular disease is preventable. Environmental factors (improved dietary factors, altering electrolyte intake, prevention of obesity and increased activity levels) are critical elements to prevention. Children and young adults identified as high risk for hypertension need to be targeted for prevention of early cardiovascular renal disease. Also, as hypertension is so prevalent, attempts should be made to control environmental factors in the general public. Preventive programmes established by primary healthcare physicians, paediatricians and para-professionals can have a major impact on the reduction of hypertension and its complications of cardiovascular renal disease in the future.

Normative distribution of complete blood count from early childhood through adolescence: the Bogalusa Heart Study

BACKGROUND

Noting the distribution of blood values in a biracial southern community according to age, sex, and race variations will help in understanding the normative developmental changes in early life and provides background information.

METHODS

Complete blood counts were obtained from 3,018 free-living children ages 5-17 years from a well-defined black-white community as part of a cardiovascular risk factor screening.

RESULTS

For children ages 5-17 years, hemoglobin levels, hematocrit, mean corpuscular volume, mean corpuscular hemoglobin, and red blood count increased (P < 0.01) with age. Levels of platelet count and white blood count decreased (P < 0.0005) with age. Compared with females, males between ages 12 and 17 years have (P < 0.05) 0.4 x 10(12)/liter higher red blood count, 1 g/dl higher hemoglobin, 2% higher hematocrit, 0.2 g/dl higher mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration, 0.5 x 10(9)/liter lower white blood count, 1.4 fl lower mean corpuscular volume, 0.3 pg lower mean corpuscular hemoglobin, and 14 x 10(9)/liter lower platelet count. Compared with blacks, whites have (P < 0.05) 0.5 10(9)/liter higher white blood count, 0.05 10(12)/liter higher red blood count, 0.7 g/dl higher hemoglobin, 1.7% higher hematocrit, 2.4 fl higher mean corpuscular volume, 1 pg higher mean corpuscular hemoglobin, and 0.5 g/dl higher mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration. A positive association was noted among blood count variables and hemoglobin with blood pressure similar to that in adults.

CONCLUSION

Blood values differ by age, sex, and race. These differences change at maturation and should be considered when defining normal and "abnormal" blood values.

Breakfast consumption affects adequacy of total daily intake in children

Breakfast consumption patterns were assessed for 467 10-year-old children (59% white, 50% girls), who were interviewed in 1984-1985 or in 1987-1988. Consumption patterns were then related to mean daily nutrient intake patterns. More whites (56%) and more girls (46%) ate breakfast at home, whereas more blacks (58%) and more boys (49%) ate breakfast at school. Results indicated that 16% of all children skipped breakfast; the highest percentage was in black girls (24%). Breakfast consumption made a significant contribution to the child's mean daily nutrient intake. The average total energy intake was significantly lower for children who did not consume breakfast (mean = 1,821 kcal) and for children who consumed breakfast at home (mean = 2,098 kcal) compared with children who consumed breakfast at school (mean = 2,326 kcal). A similar pattern was noted for macronutrient contribution. Percentage of total energy from fat was lower in children who did not eat breakfast (34%) compared with those who did (37% to 39%), yet percentage of energy from carbohydrate was higher (53%) in children who did not eat breakfast. Children who skipped breakfast did not make up the differences in dietary intakes at other meals. A higher percentage of children who did not consume breakfast compared with those who ate breakfast did not meet two thirds of the Recommended Dietary Allowance for vitamins and minerals. These data confirm the importance of breakfast to overall dietary quality and adequacy in school-age children.

Association of fasting insulin with longitudinal changes in blood pressure in children and adolescents. The Bogalusa Heart Study

A cohort of children and adolescents (n = 801) aged 5 to 11 years living in Bogalusa, Louisiana was examined in three consecutive cross-sectional surveys over a 6 year period. The relationship between fasting insulin and glucose at baseline and longitudinal changes in blood pressure were examined. Significantly positive correlations were observed between fasting insulin and glucose at baseline and systolic and diastolic blood pressure at follow-up in white boys and girls (r = 0.19 to 0.38, P < .01), but not in blacks. After adjustment for several covariates, the association still existed in whites. In multiple regression analysis, fasting plasma insulin was observed to be a major contributor of subsequent systolic blood pressure levels independent of age, sex, height, obesity, and glucose levels in white children. These data suggest that insulin can be a determinant of blood pressure levels in children as suggested in adults. The relationship of insulin to blood pressure differs between black and white children and is likely modulated by the multiple mechanisms active in maintenance of blood pressure.

Tracking of serum apolipoproteins A-I and B in children and young adults: the Bogalusa Heart Study

Serum apolipoprotein (apo) A-I and apo B were measured along with lipoprotein cholesterols in two cross-sectional surveys 4 years apart on 1728 children and young adults in the Bogalusa Heart Study. Tracking was assessed in terms of correlation coefficients and persistence at extreme quintiles. The year 1 vs year 4 correlation coefficients ranged from 0.24-0.45 for apo A-I and 0.57-0.59 for apo B among different race and sex groups. Corresponding values for serum high-density (HDL) and low-density (LDL) lipoprotein cholesterols were 0.39-046 and 0.64-0.67, respectively. Thirty-one percent of those individuals who had apo A-I levels in the highest quintile at year 1 remained in this quintile at year 4; for apo B, 50% of those in the highest quintile persisted in this rank at year 4. On the other hand, for those individuals in the lowest quintile at baseline, 36% for apo A-I and 53% for apo B remained in this rank at follow-up. The best predictor of follow-up apolipoprotein levels was the baseline level. Since tracking of apo A-I and apo B was similar in magnitude to those of HDL-cholesterol and LDL-cholesterol, the measurement of either lipoprotein cholesterols or apolipoproteins may be equally useful in terms of intervention strategies to control coronary heart disease risk.

Ambulatory blood pressure measurements in children and young adults selected by high and low casual blood pressure levels and parental history of hypertension: the Bogalusa Heart Study

Ambulatory blood pressure measurements were obtained in 57 children and young adults selected by prior high or low casual blood pressure levels and parental history of hypertension. Considerable variation in blood pressure levels occurred over 24 hours, with generally higher levels occurring in those so selected. Parental history had a small influence on higher levels, although statistical significance was not shown. Persons with higher blood pressure levels did not reach levels as low during sleep, especially with regard to the systolic measurement, and a greater variability was noted in those selected for higher levels. Although differentiation of persons with high and low blood pressure levels can be obtained by noting average levels persisting above a cut point, for example, 140/85, in growing children an arbitrary 90th percentile based on age, height, and weight may be more appropriate. Ambulatory monitoring showed that young persons, selected by casual measurements as having high blood pressure, have a greater percentage of high levels persisting over a 24-hour period, comprising a greater blood pressure load. These observations also showed that even two series of casual measurements may misclassify a person as having hypertension. Ambulatory blood pressure monitoring will enhance understanding of the early natural history of hypertension and allow improved prevention of the disease.

Plasma fibrinogen and its correlates in children from a biracial community: the Bogalusa Heart Study

Fibrinogen levels were measured in 5- to 17-y-old children (n = 3047; 40% black and 49% female), from a well-defined biracial community. No significant race and sex differences in fibrinogen levels were observed, but levels increased (p < 0.001) with age or sexual maturation in black females. Adjusted for age, fibrinogen concentrations were positively correlated with ponderal index (weight/height3) (0.09-0.22, p < 0.01), triceps skinfold thickness (0.10-0.23, p < 0.05), and subscapular skinfold thickness (0.13-0.24, p < 0.01) in all race-sex groups. Weak correlations were found between fibrinogen level and blood pressure and lipoprotein components for some of the race-sex groups, but these become nonsignificant or minimal after adjustment for ponderal index and skinfolds. A positive correlation (0.12-0.16, p < 0.01) was found between fibrinogen and white blood cell count for Caucasians, which still held after adjustment for ponderal index and skinfolds. In a stepwise regression, ponderal index, white blood cell count, and HDL cholesterol showed an independent association with fibrinogen.

Association of fasting insulin with blood pressure in young individuals. The Bogalusa Heart Study

BACKGROUND

The relationship between fasting plasma insulin and blood pressure was studied in a cross-sectional survey of children and young adults aged 5 to 26 years.

METHODS

Fasting plasma insulin, glucose, blood pressure, and anthropometric measurements were obtained on 3518 individuals.

RESULTS

When divided into four age groups, the analyses showed that fasting insulin was significantly and positively correlated to both systolic and diastolic blood pressure in individuals at all age groups, except at 13 to 17 years. In multivariate regression analyses, fasting insulin remained independently associated with blood pressure levels after controlling for glucose levels, body mass index (weight/height) and skinfold thickness in children (aged 5 to 12 years) and young adults (aged 18 to 26 years), although not in adolescents (aged 13 to 17 years). Moreover, fasting insulin was more strongly related to systolic than to diastolic blood pressure. The fasting blood glucose level did not contribute independently to multivariate prediction of blood pressure in young adults. When the children and young adults were divided into tertiles according to fasting insulin and body mass index, the independent effect of insulin and body mass index on systolic pressure was also seen in children and young adults.

CONCLUSIONS

The association between plasma insulin and blood pressure noted even in healthy children and young adults help target areas for cardiovascular risk prevention.

Purification and characterization of cellobiose dehydrogenase, a novel extracellular hemoflavoenzyme from the white-rot fungus Phanerochaete chrysosporium

Cellobiose dehydrogenase (CDH), an extracellular hemoflavoenzyme produced by the cellulose-degrading cultures of Phanerochaete chrysosporium, oxidizes cellobiose to cellobionolactone. CDH has been purified to homogeneity by a five-step purification procedure. The homogeneous CDH is monomeric and has a relative molecular mass of 90,000. It is also a glycoprotein with a neutral carbohydrate content of 9.4%. Purified CDH contains one heme b and one flavin adenine dinucleotide per monomer. Homogeneous CDH has a specific activity of 10.3 mumol min-1 mg-1 for cytochrome c reduction, in the presence of cellobiose. Cellotriose, cellotetraose, cellopentaose, and lactose also serve as substrates for CDH, in addition to cellobiose. Cytochrome c, dichlorophenol-indophenol, Mn3+, and benzoquinones can function as electron acceptors in these oxidations. Kinetic studies suggest that cellobiose is the preferred substrate and cytochrome c is the preferred electron acceptor. In the absence of these electron acceptors, oxygen serves as a poor electron acceptor and is reduced to H2O2. CDH is very stable in the pH range 3-10 and up to 50 degrees C. At lower pH or at higher temperature, CDH is inactivated due to the release of flavin from the active site. The native ferric form of the enzyme has absorption maxima at 420, 529, and 570 nm. With the addition of cellobiose, these absorptions shift to 428, 534, and 564 nm. The ferric enzyme does not bind azide or cyanide, implying that the heme iron is probably hexacoordinate.

Coexistence of increased levels of adiposity, insulin, and blood pressure in a young adult cohort with elevated very-low-density lipoprotein cholesterol: the Bogalusa Heart Study

Clustering and interrelationships of elevated levels (> 75th percentile) of adiposity, insulin, blood pressure, and very-low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (VLDL-C) were examined in a selected subset (n = 89) of a young adult cohort aged 18 to 26 years, whose childhood (ages 10 to 18 years) VLDL-C and/or low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) levels were in the upper or lower percentiles of the distribution. Among the young adults with elevated VLDL-C and LDL-C levels, 23% had increased adiposity and systolic blood pressure, 17% had increased insulin levels and systolic blood pressure, 17% had increased insulin levels and adiposity, and 13% had increased insulin levels, adiposity, and systolic blood pressure; corresponding values among those with elevated VLDL-C and normal (< 75th percentile) LDL-C levels were 29%, 18%, 24%, and 18%. As adults, the group with elevated VLDL-C and LDL-C levels had increased adiposity (P = .02) and systolic blood pressure (P = .002) in comparison to those with normal VLDL-C and LDL-C levels, whereas the group with elevated VLDL-C and normal LDL-C levels had increased fasting plasma insulin levels (P = .05) and systolic blood pressure (P = .007). These 89 individuals had undergone a glucose tolerance test during childhood.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Steroid hormones during puberty: racial (black-white) differences in androstenedione and estradiol--the Bogalusa Heart Study

A large biracial cross-section of 1038 healthy children aged 6-18 yr with 519 blacks, 519 whites, 678 males, and 360 females was evaluated for Tanner stage and serum levels of androstenedione, dehydroepiandrosterone-sulfate, estradiol, progesterone, and testosterone. The anthropometric values of the blacks and whites were very similar at each Tanner stage with only minor differences in age, height, and weight related to an earlier onset of puberty in blacks. The hormones dehydroepiandrosterone-sulfate, progesterone, and testosterone did not exhibit any racial differences. Estradiol showed a significantly higher level among black males compared to white males (P less than or equal to 0.05) whereas androstenedione was significantly higher in both white males (P = 0.0001) and females (P less than or equal to 0.01) compared with blacks. Many hormones are known to effect insulin resistance and others have reported a correlation between insulin levels and androstenedione. Blacks suffer disproportionately from diabetes. Since puberty is a time of dramatic changes in insulin resistance, racial (black-white) differences in steroid hormone changes were explored. This study shows that a racial difference in androstenedione levels exist during puberty, at a time when racial differences in insulin resistance are becoming manifest.

Wood contains a cell-wall structural protein

A pine extensin-like protein (PELP) has been localized in metabolically active cells of differentiating xylem and in mature wood of loblolly pine (Pinus taeda L.). This proline-rich glycosylated protein was purified from cell walls of differentiating xylem by differential solubility and gel electrophoresis. Polyclonal rabbit antibodies were raised against the deglycosylated purified protein (dPELP) and purified antibody was used for immunolocalization. Immunogold and alkaline phosphatase secondary antibody staining both show antigen in secondary cell walls of earlywood and less staining in latewood. Immunoassays of milled dry wood were developed and used to show increased availability of antigen after hydrogen fluoride or cellulase treatment and decreased antigen after chlorite treatment. The specificity of the antigen-antibody reaction was confirmed by competition assays and by preadsorption of antibody to the purified protein. We propose that extensin-like protein is present in xylem cell walls during lignification and that the protein remains as a structural component of cell walls in wood for many years after xylogenesis. We suggest that such structural proteins play important roles in the differentiation of xylem and thereby could affect the properties of wood.

Cellobiose oxidase of Phanerochaete chrysosporium enhances crystalline cellulose degradation by cellulases

The effect of Phanerochaete chrysosporium cellobiose oxidase (CBO) on microcrystalline cellulose hydrolysis by Trichoderma cellulases was determined. Addition of 10 micrograms.ml-1 CBO to a reaction mixture containing T. viride cellulase increased glucose and cellobiose production by 10% and 48%, respectively. Cellulose weight loss was also enhanced by 19%. At higher concentrations (20-80 micrograms.ml-1), CBO decreased glucose and cellobiose production. Cellulose weight loss at 60 micrograms.ml-1 CBO was 76% compared to control cellulase reactions. This decrease appears to be due to inactivation of cellulase by H2O2 produced via CBO reaction, because addition of catalase enhances sugar production and cellulose weight loss. These findings suggest that at low, perhaps physiologically relevant concentrations, CBO enhances crystalline cellulose degradation by cellulases.

Black-white contrasts in insulin levels during pubertal development. The Bogalusa Heart Study

Three hundred and seventy-seven children and adolescents aged 5-17 yr from the biracial (black-white) community of Bogalusa, Louisiana, were evaluated for Tanner stage of sexual development, plasma glucose, and insulin levels during an oral glucose tolerance test. Children of the two races were of similar age, weight, and height at each Tanner stage. Overall insulin response was compared by measuring the area under the insulin curve from the glucose tolerance test. Blacks, especially black females, had significantly higher insulin responses than their white counterparts. The insulin-glucose ratio at the initial t = 0 min baseline did not vary with race or sex throughout the Tanner stages. However, the 30 min postglucose data revealed clear differences between the races with blacks showing a higher insulin-glucose ratio. Ratios increased throughout puberty for both blacks and whites, boys and girls. The trends of racial contrasts seemed to be discernible even at the earliest stage of development. It is concluded that there is a clear difference between blacks and whites in insulin response to a glucose load early in childhood. These findings lead to the hypothesis that the greater prevalence of non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus seen in adult blacks, especially females, may be an expression of a difference in insulin secretion and related insulin resistance in early childhood.