Towards standardisation of pre- and post-analytical variables in the assessment of lipid risk factors for ischaemic heart disease.

A wide disparity exists between statistical and optimal reference ranges for total cholesterol (TC) levels in South Africa. The haphazard downward adjustments by some laboratories over the years have resulted in highly variable and confusing 'normal cholesterol' values. Using essentially the same enzymatic method and equipment the TC upper limits varied by almost 50% (5.

Kinetics and in vivo distribution of in-111-labelled platelets and platelet function in familial hypercholesterolaemia.

The kinetics, in vivo distribution and sites of sequestration of autologous In-111-labelled platelets and other platelet function parameters were studied in ten patients with type IIa or IIb familial hypercholesterolaemia and thrombotic complications of atherosclerosis. The in vitro platelet aggregation response to ADP (P = 0.50) and collagen (P = 0.

Effects of tendamistate on postprandial plasma glucose, free fatty acid and triglyceride levels.

A dose of 400 mg tendamistate or a placebo was given to 10 volunteers in order to investigate its effects on plasma glucose, free fatty acid and triglyceride levels after a porridge meal. Each subject participated in two phases, in each of which they ate porridge prepared from 100 g maize meal together with either placebo or tendamistate 400 mg. Serial blood specimens for plasma glucose determinations were taken up to 3 hours after the meal, and those for free fatty acid and triglyceride determinations up to 14 hours after the meal.

Serum zinc levels in pelvic inflammatory disease.

Serum zinc concentrations in 47 patients with acute pelvic inflammatory disease were compared with those of 50 women in a control group. The erythrocyte sedimentation rate, the white cell count and acute-phase protein (alpha 1- and alpha 2-globulin) values were used to confirm or exclude infection among the patients studied. All these values differed significantly in the control and study groups.

Glycosylated haemoglobin, blood glucose and serum cholesterol levels in diabetics treated with guar gum.

The diet of 10 insulin-dependent diabetics was modified for 3 months by the addition of guar gum to buttermilk rusks. Control of glycaemia was assessed by serial determination of total glycosylated haemoglobin A1. The effect of guar on serum cholesterol levels was noted.