Association of single nucleotide polymorphisms in the promoter region of the pro-opiomelanocortin gene (POMC) with low bone mineral density in adult women.

Among multiple factors influencing osteoporosis,genetic variations involved in bone-mineralmetabolism can affect risks predisposing to the diseaseonset. Here, we studied single-nucleotide polymorphisms(SNPs) in the pro-opiomelanocortin (POMC)gene for possible association with bone mineral density(BMD) among 384 adult Japanese women and observedsignificant correlation between adjusted BMD and threeSNPs in the promoter region (r>0.14, p<0.01). Themost significant correlation was observed for ?2353G/A(r=?0.16, p=0.002); homozygous carriers of the major(G) allele had the highest BMD (0.405±0.054 g/cm2)while heterozygous carriers were intermediate(0.390±0.053 g/cm2) and homozygous A-allele carriershad the lowest BMDs (0.369±0.048 g/cm2). Althoughno association was detected between these SNPs andbody weight or body mass index (BMI), significantassociation was detected between the ?2313A/C genotypeand plasma total cholesterol level (r=?0.12,p=0.019). We propose that POMC is among the likelysusceptibility genes for osteoporosis and may also beinvolved in dyslipidemia.

Comparative Plasma Endocrine, Metabolic and Mineral Profile of Cyclic, Acyclic, Endometritic and Pregnant Buffaloes

Circulating concentrations of hormones, metabolites, and minerals reflect the physio-pathological status of reproduction in animals. This study was carried out on infertile (anestrus, endometritic), normal healthy cyclic and pregnant buffaloes to evaluate the comparative plasma progesterone (P4) and estrogen (E2) hormones, plasma total protein, total cholesterol, calcium, and phosphorus profile. The study showed higher mean plasma E2 and lower P4 levels in the follicular phase of estrous cycle in buffaloes. Significantly (p less than 0.05) higher mean plasma P4 level and lower E2 levels were recorded during the luteal phase and in endometritic and pregnant buffaloes. Total plasma protein concentration was non-significantly higher in normal cyclic than acyclic and endometritic buffaloes. It was also comparatively lower in buffalo with 9 months of pregnancy than 3 and 6 months of pregnancy. The mean plasma total cholesterol level was significantly (p less than 0.05) higher in pregnant than acyclic and endometritic buffaloes. Cyclic buffaloes had significantly (p less than 0.05) higher mean plasma calcium levels than acyclic buffaloes. Plasma phosphorus concentration, however, did not show any significant difference between different stages of the reproductive cycle.

Gender effects of tall oil versus soybean phytosterols as cholesterol-lowering agents in hamsters

To examine the effect of gender on the mechanisms of action of phytosterols extracted from tall oil (TO) and soybean (SB) on cholesterol and phytosterol metabolism, male and female hamsters were fed cholesterol-enriched diets containing 0.5 or 1% (w/w) TO or SB phytosterols for 90 days. Plasma lipoprotein cholesterol profile and tissue phytosterol and cholesterol biosynthesis levels were determined. Mean plasma total-cholesterol level in females fed 1% (w/w) SB was reduced (p < 0.05) by 44%, while in males it was lowered (p < 0.05) by 25% compared with their respective controls. Moreover, mean plasma total-cholesterol level was reduced (p < 0.05) in male hamsters by -31% and female hamsters by -32% when fed 1% (w/w) TO. Cholesterol biosynthesis was higher (p < 0.05) by twofold in groups fed TO at 0.5 and 1% (w/w) concentrations, compared with SB. Hamsters fed TO at 0.5 and 1% (w/w) levels also had higher (p < 0.05) hepatic and enterocytic campesterol contents than SB-fed animals. These findings demonstrate gender differences in cholesterol metabolism in TO- and SB-fed hamsters. The results suggest that TO, conversely to SB phytosterol, is a more effective cholesterol-lowering agent in male, but not as much in female, hamsters, over a feeding period of 90 days.Key words: phytosterols, cholesterol, sitosterol, sitostanol, gender, hamster.