Multivariate analysis for coronary heart disease in heterozygote familial hypercholesterolemia patients.

Aim: rs599839 polymorphism has been related with low levels of cholesterol and reduced coronary heart disease (CHD).

Methods: We investigated the frequency of this polymorphism in patients with heterozygous familial hypercholesterolemia (HeFH) in the Spanish familial hypercholesterolemia cohort, 230 with and 202 without CHD. Results & discussion: A lower G-allele prevalence was observed in HeFH patients with CHD with respect to controls, 35 versus 45%, respectively (p = 0.

rs1801275 Interleukin-4 receptor alpha polymorphism in familial hypercholesterolemia.

Background: Interleukin-4 (IL-4) has been linked with atherogenic effects and some single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of the IL4/13 receptors (ILR4/13) have been associated with enhanced response to IL-4.

Objectives: We investigated the frequency of SNP ILR4/13 in patients with familial hypercholesterolemia (FH) compared with control relatives without FH and their possible association with cardiovascular disease (CVD).

Methods: ILR4/13 polymorphisms were studied in 626 subjects included in the Spanish FH cohort, 408 patients with FH and 218 healthy relative control subjects.

Pulse wave velocity in four extremities for assessing cardiovascular risk using a new device.

Pulse wave velocity (PWV) is used for evaluating atherosclerosis; however, it is far from routine use. The authors validate a new device measuring PWV independently in each limb and explore its usefulness. Validity was studied in 40 patients.

Impact of anti-hepatitis Bc-positive grafts on the outcome of liver transplantation for HBV-related cirrhosis.

Background: The present scarcity of organ donors requires consideration of grafts from sources not previously used. Several studies have addressed the use of grafts from donors who have antibodies to the hepatitis B core antigen (anti-HBc+). The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of the use of anti-HBc+ grafts in patients transplanted for hepatitis B virus (HBV)-related cirrhosis.