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Biomedical subjects

E Erhardt

Publications and source records attributed to E Erhardt.

13 recordsLinked to original sources

Behavioral changes induced by cocaine in mice are modified by a hyperlipidic diet or recombinant leptin.

The objective of the present study was to determine if the acute behavioral effects of cocaine acutely administered intraperitoneally (ip) at doses of 5, 10 and 20 mg/kg on white male CF1 mice, 90 days of age, would be influenced by leptin acutely administered ip (at doses of 5, 10 and 20 microg/kg) or by endogenous leptin production enhanced by a high-fat diet. The acute behavioral effects of cocaine were evaluated in open-field, elevated plus-maze and forced swimming tests. Results were compared between a group of 80 mice consuming a balanced diet and a high-fat diet, and a group of 80 mice fed a commercially available rodent chow formula (Ralston Purina) but receiving recombinant leptin (rLeptin) or saline ip. Both the high-fat-fed and rLeptin-treated mice showed decreased locomotion in the open-field test, spent more time in the open arms of the elevated plus-maze and showed less immobility time in the forced swimming test (F(1,68) = 7.834, P = 0.007). There was an interaction between diets and cocaine/saline treatments in locomotion (F(3,34) = 3.751, P = 0.020) and exploration (F(3,34) = 3.581, P = 0.024). These results suggest that anxiolytic effects and increased general activity were induced by leptin in cocaine-treated mice and that low leptin levels are associated with behavioral depression. Chronic changes in diet composition producing high leptin levels or rLeptin treatment may result in an altered response to cocaine in ethologic tests that measure degrees of anxiety and depression, which could be attributed to an antagonistic effect of leptin.

Animals↗

The frequency of Trp64Arg polymorphism of the beta3-adrenergic receptor gene in healthy and obese Hungarian children and its association with cardiovascular risk factors.

OBJECTIVE: To estimate the frequency of Arg64 allele of the beta(3)-adrenergic receptor (3-BAR) gene in healthy (H) and obese (O) Hungarian children, and to look for possible associations between this polymorphism and some clinical and metabolic characteristics of obese children. PATIENTS/METHODS: In all, 147 healthy (male: 68) and 295 obese (male: 168) children were examined. The average age of the children in the two groups was 12.4+/-1.7 vs 12.6+/-3.2, respectively. Exon 1 of 3-BAR was amplified by polymerase chain reaction and the fragments were digested with BstN1. In obese children, oral glucose tolerance test was carried out and blood pressure (BP) was checked. RESULTS: The frequency of Trp64Arg polymorphism in normal and obese Hungarian children was similar (H vs O: n=14/9.5% vs n=35/11.8%). Obese children carrying the Arg64 allele (n=35, male: 23) were compared to randomly chosen, obese children without the Arg64 allele (n=35, male: 20). A significant difference was found between the body weight (81.2+/-23.2 vs 75.6+/-17.7 kg; mean+/-s.d.; P<0.01), body fat (38.8+/-3.9 vs 36.5+/-2.3%; mean+/-s.d.; P<0.05), mean fasting insulin levels (31.4+/-16.7 vs 16.9+/-7.6 microIU/ml; P<0.001) and mean systolic BP values (125.2+/-10.1 vs 114.5+/-8.3 mmHg; P<0.001) of the two obese groups. CONCLUSIONS: The frequency of Trp64Arg polymorphism was similar in Hungary as compared to other European countries. Although the prevalence of this polymorphism was similar in H and O children, the presence of Arg64 allele seems to be associated with increased adiposity, elevated systolic BP and higher fasting insulin levels.

Alleles↗

Polyunsaturated fatty acids in plasma and erythrocyte membrane lipids of diabetic children.

While insulin is a potent activator of essential fatty acid metabolism, portal hypoinsulinemia is common in Type 1 diabetes. Fatty acids were determined by high-resolution capillary gas-liquid chromatography in plasma and erythrocyte membrane lipids in diabetic children (n = 40) and in age-matched healthy controls (n = 40). In plasma phospholipids, values of linoleic acid (23.00 [2.35] vs. 18.13 [2.54], % by wt, median [range from the first to the third quartile], P<0.000l) and alpha-linolenic acid (0.12 [0.06] vs. 0.07 [0.07], P<0.05) were significantly higher in diabetic children than in controls. In contrast, values of arachidonic acid (10.73 [2.34] vs. 11.53 [2.50], P<0.05) and docosahexaenoic acid (2.23 [0.63] vs. 2.77 [0.98], P<0.01) were significantly lower in diabetic children than in controls. Reduced availability of long-chain polyunsaturates in diabetic children suggests that an enhanced dietary supply of long-chain polyunsaturates may be beneficial.

Adolescent↗

Polyunsaturated fatty acids in plasma lipids of obese children with and without metabolic cardiovascular syndrome.

Previously we reported significantly higher values of gamma-linolenic acid (GLA, 18:3n-6), dihomo-gamma-linolenic acid (DHGLA, 20:3n-6), and arachidonic acid (20:4n-6) in plasma lipid classes in obese children than in nonobese controls. In the present study, fatty acid composition of plasma phospholipids (PL) and sterol esters (STE) was determined by high-resolution capillary gas-liquid chromatography in obese children with and without metabolic cardiovascular syndrome [MCS: defined as simultaneous presence of (i) dyslipidemia, (ii) hyperinsulinemia, (iii) hypertension, and.(iv) impaired glucose tolerance] and in nonobese controls. Fatty acid composition of PL and STE lipids did not differ between obese children without MCS and controls. Obese children with MCS exhibited significantly lower linoleic acid (LA, 18:2n-6) values in PL (17.43 [2.36], % wt/wt, median [range from the first to the third quartile]) than obese children without MCS (19.14 [3.49]) and controls (20.28 13.80]). In contrast, PL GLA values were significantly higher in obese children with (0.13 [0.08]) than in those without MCS (0.08 [0.04]), whereas STE GLA values were higher in obese children with MCS (1.04 [0.72]) than in controls (0.62 [0.48]). DHGLA values in PL were significantly higher in obese children with MCS (4.06 [0.74]) than in controls (2.69 [1.60]). The GLA/LA ratio was significantly higher, whereas the AA/DHGLA ratio was significantly lower in obese children with MCS than in obese children without MCS and in controls. In this study, LA metabolism was affected only in obese children with but not in those without MCS. In obese children with MCS, delta6-desaturase activity appeared to be stimulated, whereas delta5-desaturase activity appeared to be inhibited. Disturbances in LA metabolism may represent an additional health hazard within the multifaceted clinical picture of MCS.

Adolescent↗

Safety and efficacy of treatment with an ephedrine/caffeine mixture. The first double-blind placebo-controlled pilot study in adolescents.

OBJECTIVE: The present study was performed to investigate the efficacy and safety of a caffeine/ephedrine (CE) mixture in obese adolescents. SUBJECTS: Thirty-two (m/f = 16/16) obese children were included into the study. They were treated by diet (calculated daily energy requirement minus 500 kcal) and either CE or placebo (PL) for 20 weeks in a randomized double-blind placebo-controlled trial. Those weighing less than 80 kg took one tablet three times (100 mg/10 mg), whereas those weighing more than 80 kg took two tablets three times per day. There were three dropouts (girls) from the PL group. The age, weight body mass index (BMI) values (mean (range)) of the PL and CE groups were 16.0 (14.3-17.6) and 16.0 (14.2-17.7) y, 103.0 (77.2-126.4) and 104.8 (69.8-150.2) kg, 35.2 (28.3-42.3) and 36.5 (31.3-51.8) kg/m2, respectively. RESULTS: The decrease in relative body weight, BMI and body fat (measured by bioelectric impedance) was significantly (P < 0.05) greater in the CE group (mean +/- s.d.; 14.4 +/- 10.5%, 2.9 +/- 1.9 kg/m2, 6.6 +/- 6.0 kg) than in the PL group (2.2 +/- 5.8%, 0.5 +/- 1.6 kg/m2, 0.5 +/- 2.7 kg). Relative body weight decreased by more than 5% in 81% of the CE group, out only in 31% of the PL group. Adverse events were negligible and did not differ between the CE and PL groups. Withdrawal symptoms were mild, transient and their frequency and severity were not different between the placebo and active groups. CONCLUSION: According to the present pilot study, CE can be a safe and effective compound for the treatment of obesity in adolescents.

Adipose Tissue↗

High prevalence of factor V Leiden mutation in mothers of premature neonates.

The prevalence of the Leiden mutation was tested in 50 mothers of premature infants and in 56 mothers of intrauterine-growth-retarded neonates. The prevalence of the Leiden mutation was 7.2% in the mothers of growth-retarded neonates and 18% in the group of mothers of premature infants, the latter being significantly higher than the 6.3% prevalence of this mutation in healthy Hungarian subjects (p < 0.01). In spite of the relatively small number of mothers examined, the unexpected finding may call attention to a hitherto unknown relationship.

DNA Mutational Analysis↗

Correlation of blood-spot 17-hydroxyprogesterone daily profiles and urinary steroid profiles in congenital adrenal hyperplasia.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the value of blood-spot 17-hydroxyprogesterone (17-OHP) daily profiles and urinary steroid excretion in untreated and treated patients with congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH). PATIENTS: Ten patients with CAH were investigated during steroid replacement therapy (Group 1), and 11 patients were investigated without treatment (Group 2). METHODS: Capillary blood samples were collected for measurement of blood-spot 17-OHP values by non-chromatographic radioimmunoassay. Steroid profiles of 24-h urine samples were analyzed by gas chromatography. RESULTS: There was a close correlation between the individual daily means of blood-spot 17-OHP measurements and the pregnanetriol/ tetrahydrocortisone ratio in both groups of patients (Group 2: r=0.839, p<0.001; Group 1: r=0.686, p<0.001). Almost the same correlation was found between the blood-spot 17-OHP value and the sum of three 17-hydroxyprogesterone metabolites/the sum of three cortisol/cortisone metabolites ratio (Group 2: r=0.918, p<0.001; Group 1: r=0.741, p<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Blood-spot 17-OHP measurements and 24-h urinary steroid profile have the same impact in identification and monitoring therapy of children with CAH.

17-alpha-Hydroxyprogesterone↗

[Role of intrauterine growth in later cardiovascular risk factors in children 6-10 years of age].

There has been considerable interest in the possibility that prenatal events could influence the adult life. Adults who were small at birth have been reported to have higher blood pressure and increased risk of death from ischaemic heart disease, although there are some contradictory results. The aim of the present study was to determine the association between size at birth and later risk factors (hypertension, hyperinsulinism, hyperglycaemia and dyslipidaemia) in prepubertal children. The authors examined 205 children (121 boys, 84 girls) at the age of 6-10. They compared children born full term with normal weight, height and head circumference (1st group), the children born full term with birthweight, height and head circumference less than 10th centile (2nd group), children born full term with birthweight less than 10th centile and with normal length and head circumference (3rd group) and children who were preterm at birth (4th group). The age of children at the time of investigation was comparable in the four groups. Weight and height of the children in the 2nd group were significantly lower than in the 1st and 4th groups (2nd group vs 4th group: p < 0.01; 2nd group vs 1st group: p < 0.001). Dyslipidaemia was found 21% in the 1st group, 17% in the 2nd group, 16% in the 3rd group and 28% in prematures. The mean of the systolic and diastolic blood pressures were similar in the four groups. Hypertension was 12.5% in the 1st and 3rd groups, 5.6% in the 2nd group and 8.9% among prematures. According to the results cardiovascular risk factors can not be proved among children at the age of 6-10 who were born with low birthweight. Further studies are required to determine whether which stage of pregnancy might influence birthweight and later risk factors.

Adolescent↗

Plasma lipids, phospholipid fatty acids and indices of glycaemia in 10-year-old children born as small-for-gestational-age or preterm infants.

Low birthweight has been epidemiologically associated with unfavourable plasma lipid profiles and enhanced risk of cardiovascular morbidity in adulthood. Plasma lipids, lipoprotein cholesterols, apolipoproteins, fatty acid composition of plasma phospholipids and basic indices of glycaemia were investigated in 10-y-old children born with similarly low birthweights as small-for-gestational-age (SGA; n = 16) or preterm infants (n = 16). Plasma total cholesterol (4.32 +/- 0.57 vs 4.60 +/- 0.52, mmol l(-1), mean +/- SD, SGA vs preterm subjects), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (2.54 +/- 0.51 vs 2.65 +/- 0.51) and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (1.61 +/- 0.25 vs 1.76 +/- 0.18) concentrations did not differ between the 2 groups. There was no difference in plasma triacylglycerol, apolipoprotein A-I and B, insulin and glucose concentrations or phospholipid fatty acid values. There was no correlation between indices of lipid and carbohydrate metabolism. In conclusion, plasma lipid profiles and basic indices of glycaemia are not different in 10-y-old children born with similarly low birthweights as SGA or preterm infants.

Anthropometry↗

Measured and predicted resting metabolic rate in obese and nonobese adolescents.

OBJECTIVES: The validity of equations for the calculation of resting metabolic rate (RMR) were studied and new predictive equations were developed. STUDY DESIGN: The RMR was measured in a sample of 371 10- to 16-year-old prepubertal and postpubertal children. The study group included 193 male (116 nonobese and 77 obese) and 178 female (119 nonobese and 59 obese) subjects; for each group the RMRs predicted from five equations recommended for this age group were compared. The RMR was assessed by indirect calorimetry with a ventilated hood system for 45 minutes after an overnight fast. Body composition was estimated from skin-fold measurements. RESULTS: The mean +/- SD RMR was found to be 5600 +/- 972 kJ/24 hr and 7223 +/- 1220 kJ/24 hr in nonobese and obese boys, and 5112 +/- 632 kJ/24 hr and 6665 +/- 1106 kJ/24 hr in nonobese and obese girls, respectively. All five equations applicable to 10- to 16-year-old children overestimated RMR by 7.5% to 18.1% (p < 0.001 for each equation). Stepwise regression analysis, with independent variables such as age, weight, height, and gender, allowed development of new predictive equations for the calculation of RMR in 10- to 16-year-old boys (RMR = 50.9 Weight (kg) + 25.3 Height (cm) -50.3 Age (yr) + 26.9; R2 = 0.884, p < 0.0001) and girls (RMR = 51.2 Weight (kg) + 24.5 Height (cm) - 207.5 Age (yr) + 1629.8; R2 = 0.824, p < 0.0001). These predictive equations were tested in a second, independent cohort of children (80 male and 61 female subject) and were found to give a reliable estimate of RMR in 10- to 16-year-old obese and nonobese adolescents. CONCLUSIONS: The currently used predictive equations overestimate RMR in 10- to 16-year-old children. The use of the newly developed equations is recommended.

Adolescent↗

Two cases of musculoskeletal syndrome associated with acne.

We report two cases of musculoskeletal syndrome (myalgia, arthralgia, arthritis, hyperostosis) that developed in male adolescents who had severe acne (acne conglobata and acne fulminans). In both patients the hyperostosis of the right clavicle aroused the suspicion of a bone tumor or osteomyelitis, which was excluded by histologic examination. Radiologic and laboratory characteristics of musculoskeletal syndrome associated with acne conglobata and acne fulminans are reviewed as well as isotretinoin therapy. The problems of differential diagnosis are also discussed.

Acne Vulgaris↗