Dileep Verma

The rs2070895 (-250G/A) Single Nucleotide Polymorphism in Hepatic Lipase (HL) Gene and the Risk of Coronary Artery Disease in North Indian Population: A Case-Control Study.

INTRODUCTION Several Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms (SNPs) in lipid transport genes have been shown to be associated with Coronary Artery Disease (CAD). The Hepatic Lipase (HL)glycoprotein is a key component that catalyzes the hydrolysis of triglycerides and phospholipids in all major classes of lipoproteins. AIM We studied whether the HL gene-250G/A polymorphism affect blood lipid level and the CAD in a North Indian population. MATERIALS AND METHODS A total number of 477 subjects were enrolled in the study after approval of the Institutional Ethics Committee. Out of 477 subjects, 233 were with coronary artery disease as study group and 244 subjects without coronary artery disease as control group. All subjects recruited with matched ethnicity in age group of 40-70 years. Blood samples were collected in EDTA vials and genomic DNA was extracted from blood using the phenol-chloroform method. Lipid profile was estimated by using a commercially available kit. Polymorphisms in the HL (-250 G/A) gene were analysed by using restriction fragment length polymorphism-polymerase chain reaction (PCR-RFLP) method. The effect of this polymorphism on plasma lipids, lipoproteins and coronary artery disease was determined. RESULTS In Human Hepatic Lipase (LIPC)-250G/A genotype, the frequencies of GG, GA and AA genotype in CAD group was 80.69%, 15.45% and 3.86%, respectively; in the control group, the corresponding frequencies were 90.16%, 9.02% and 0.82%, respectively. A significant difference was found in the genotype (LIPC-250G/A) distribution between the two groups. Further logistic regression analysis indicated that the GA and AA genotypes in SNP-250G/A were significantly associated with CAD in all genetic models (In codominant model- GA vs. GG, OR=1.91, 95% CI=1. 09-3.37, p=0. 03 and AA vs. GG, OR= 5.26, 95% CI= 1.10-24.60, p=0.04; in dominant model- GA+AA vs. GG, OR=2.19, p=0.004 and in recessive model- AA vs. GG+GA, OR=5.26, p=0.04 whereas, A allele at nucleotide -250G/A in the LIPC gene had an association with increased risk of CAD (OR=2.33, p=<0.008). CONCLUSION Our findings indicated that the higher frequency of a dominant model (GA+AA) as well as mutant allele A of LIPC-250 G/A polymorphism is significantly associated with risk of CAD and the lipid profile can be used as a predictor of CAD.

Respiratory exchange ratio in aerobic exercise on treadmill versus cycle ergometer at similar perceived exertion

Background: Treadmill (TM) and cycle ergometer (CE) are the most commonly used indoor machines for aerobic exercise (AE). Previous studies have indicated that TM causes higher fat oxidation than CE AE; however, data from the Indian subcontinent are lacking regarding the same. Accumulation of visceral fat leads to various cardiovascular and metabolic disorders, and hence, AE modality that causes higher fat oxidation could prove more beneficial in improving health-related quality of life. Aims and Objectives: The aim of this study is to compare cardiovascular response and respiratory exchange ratio (RER) in TM and CE AE by moderately active males at similar ratings of perceived exertion (RPE). Materials and Methods: In the present experimental study, sixteen males with normal body mass index were involved to perform 30 min of continuous moderate intensity AE on TM and CE at RPE of 13. Systolic blood pressure (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP), heart rate (HR), and pulse pressure (PP) were analyzed just before and after the exercise trial. RER was estimated during the last 2 min of exercise. Paired t-test was applied to compare the means, and P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: HR after TM (136 ± 10) tended (P = 0.063) to be higher than CE (132 ± 9), while changes in SBP, DBP, and PP were non-significant. RER was non-significantly (P = 0.148) higher in CE (0.89 ± 0.05) than TM (0.91 ± 0.06). Oxygen consumption was significantly (P = 0.049) higher in TM (1.11 ± 0.17 L/min) than CE (1.03 ± 0.16 L/min). Conclusion: TM caused significantly higher energy consumption with non-significantly higher HR and fat oxidation than CE AE at RPE of 13.

Cold pressor response in high landers versus low landers.

BACKGROUND Native high landers face two main environmental challenges i.e. hypobaric hypoxia and low ambient temperatures. Both factors contribute to increased sympathetic stimulation and increased blood pressure. Despite these challenges, subjects living at high altitude have lower systolic and diastolic pressures as compared to subjects living in plains. Present study investigated cold pressor test (CPT) which is a potential predictor of future hypertension in high landers and low landers Materials and Methods: Vascular reactivity in terms of changes in systolic and diastolic blood pressure and heart rate in response to cold pressor test has been compared in high lander (n=45) and low lander (n=46) population. RESULTS Systolic and diastolic blood pressure changes and heart rate changes with cold pressor test are lower in high landers as compared to low landers. Females in both the groups in general exhibited greater cold pressor response than males. CONCLUSION Hypo-reactive cold pressor test is due to higher parasympathetic tone and lower sympathetic tone. Decreased cold pressor response in high landers reflects another adaptive modulation of sympatho-vagal activity that enables them to stay in hypobaric atmosphere and lower temperatures without undue autonomic stress.