Publications by authors named "Shoshi Shpitzen"

We previously identified a highly consanguineous familial hypercholesterolemia (FH) family demonstrating segregation of the JD Bari mutation in the LDL receptor as well as a putative cholesterol-lowering trait. We aimed to identify genes related to the latter effect. LDL cholesterol (LDLc) values were normalized for FH affectation status, age, and gender.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Background And Aims: Familial hypercholesterolemia (FH) is an autosomal dominant disease caused by mutations in the genes for LDL receptor (LDLR), apolipoprotein B (APOB) and proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type9 (PCSK9). The purpose of the current investigation was to define the current spectrum of mutations causing FH in Israel.

Methods: New families were collected through the MEDPED (Make Early Diagnosis Prevent Early Death) FH program.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Importance: We describe a deep intronic mutation in adult polyglucosan body disease. Similar mechanisms can also explain manifesting heterozygous cases in other inborn metabolic diseases.

Objective: To explain the genetic change consistently associated with manifesting heterozygous patients with adult polyglucosan body disease.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Little is known about whether cholesteryl ester transfer protein (CETP) genetic variation may modify the effect of weight-loss diets varying in fat content on changes in lipid levels. We analyzed the interaction between the CETP variant rs3764261 and dietary interventions on changes in lipid levels among 732 overweight/obese adults from a 2 year randomized weight-loss trial [Preventing Overweight Using Novel Dietary Strategies (POUNDS LOST)], and replicated the findings in 171 overweight/obese adults from an independent 2 year weight-loss trial [Dietary Intervention Randomized Controlled Trial (DIRECT)]. In the POUNDS LOST, participants with the CETP rs3764261 CC genotype on the high-fat diet had larger increases in HDL cholesterol (P = 0.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

The rare disease cerebrotendinous xanthomatosis (CTX) is due to a lack of sterol 27-hydroxylase (CYP27A1) and is characterized by cholestanol-containing xanthomas in brain and tendons. Mice with the same defect do not develop xanthomas. The driving force in the development of the xanthomas is likely to be conversion of a bile acid precursor into cholestanol.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Apolipoprotein E (apo E) is an essential constituent of several plasma lipoproteins, and plays an important role in lipoprotein metabolism. The apo E gene exhibits two common functional polymorphisms, producing 3 isoforms known to be associated with the risks of developing cardiovascular disease and susceptibility to Alzheimer's disease. Numerous different methods have been established for determining the three apo E isoforms, yet there are disadvantages and ambiguities associated with all of them.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF