High LDL levels are associated with increased lipoprotein-associated phospholipase A(2) activity on nitric oxide synthesis and reactive oxygen species formation in human endothelial cells.

Objective: To evaluate in vitro the effects of serum and LDL fractions isolated from hypercholesterolemic patients on nitric oxide (NO) synthesis and reactive oxygen species (ROS) production by human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs).

Design And Methods: Serum and LDL isolated from subjects with high (n=18) and normal (n=21) LDL-cholesterol levels were analyzed on NO synthesis and ROS production in vitro models of HUVECs. LDL was furthers characterized in their chemical composition and activities of lipoprotein-associated phospholipase A(2) (Lp-PLA(2)), cholesteryl ester transfer protein (CETP) and paraoxonase.

[Cushing's disease treatment with transsphenoidal surgery during pregnancy].

We report a 26 year old female with Cushing's disease who became pregnant during the course of her disease. She was treated by transsphenoidal surgery during the second trimester of pregnancy, achieving resolution of hypercortisolism. She had a normal delivery at term, her offspring was healthy, and she had a normal lactation.