Genetic analysis of indicators of cholesterol synthesis and absorption: lathosterol and phytosterols in Dutch twins and their parents.

Significant familial aggregation was observed for plasma levels of lathosterol (an indicator of whole-body cholesterol synthesis) and plant sterols campesterol and beta-sitosterol (indicators of cholesterol absorption) in 160 Dutch families consisting of adolescent mono- and dizygotic twin pairs and their parents. For lathosterol a moderate genetic heritability in parents and offspring (29%) was found. In addition, shared environment also contributed significantly (37%) to variation in plasma lathosterol concentrations in twin siblings.

The effect of 17 beta-oestradiol on variables of coagulation and fibrinolysis in postmenopausal women with type 2 diabetes mellitus.

Type 2 diabetes mellitus is frequently accompanied by hypercoagulability and hypofibrinolysis. Both are related to increased cardiovascular risk, but possibly with endothelial injury as well. Studies with nondiabetic persons indicate that unopposed oestrogen replacement therapy (oERT) decreases cardiovascular risk, possibly mediated in part by effects on coagulation and fibrinolysis.

Expression of type III hyperlipoproteinemia in apolipoprotein E2 (Arg158 --> Cys) homozygotes is associated with hyperinsulinemia.

Type III hyperlipoproteinemia (HLP) is mainly found in homozygous carriers of apolipoprotein E2 (apoE2, Arg158-->Cys). Only a small percentage (< 5%) of these apoE2 homozygotes develops hyperlipidemia, indicating that additional environmental and genetic factors contribute to the expression of type III HLP. In the present study, first, the prevalence of type III HLP among apoE2 homozygotes was estimated in a Dutch population sample of 8888 participants.