Serum Lipids and Modernization in Coastal and Highland Papua New Guinea

Abstract

Previous studies in Melanesians of Papua New Guinea have documented low serum cholesterol concentrations with no age-related rise and a virtual absence of coronary heart disease. However, because of recent reports of the emergence of coronary heart disease in this population, serum lipid concentrations in adults aged > or = 25 years in three coastal (n = 1,489 and three highland (n = 388) village communities at different stages of modernization were examined as part of a survey undertaken in 1991. Total cholesterol concentrations were clearly higher than were levels recorded in earlier studies. Moreover, age-related increases in total cholesterol, low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL cholesterol), high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL cholesterol), and triglycerides (in women) were apparent. Mean total cholesterol levels in an urban community with a high risk of diabetes were similar to those observed in Australians, while HDL cholesterol concentrations were lower. Total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol levels were higher in urban coastal and periurban highland subjects than in their rural counterparts. Prevalence of hypercholesterolemia (> or = 5.2 mmol/liter) varied from 16% in rural highlanders to 56% in urban coastal subjects. Sex, age, village, body mass index, fat distribution, glucose intolerance, physical activity, and an index of relative modernity all contributed to variations in cholesterol and triglyceride concentrations. These results show that Papua New Guineans are by no means protected from dyslipidemia and serve warning that, unless effective preventative strategies can be developed, this and similar rapidly developing populations can expect an increasing incidence of coronary heart disease.

Insulin Resistance, Cognitive Impairment and Neurodegeneration: Roles of Nitrosamine Exposure, Diet and Lifestyles

“…Moreover, diets high in trans fatty acids, which are abundantly present in processed foods, caused abdominal obesity and insulin resistance (Kavanagh, Jones et al 2007). Similar effects of nutrient poor, calorically dense diets have been demonstrated in humans (Hodge, Dowse et al 1995;Tran, Komatsu et al 2001;Hursting, Lavigne et al 2003;Newby, Muller et al 2003). In humans, caloric restriction also retards aging and reduces rates of chronic disease; therefore, this simple measure may also help to reduce risk for neurodegeneration (Qin, Chachich et al 2006;Kim, Nguyen et al 2007;Wang, Fivecoat et al 2010).…”

“…Crosswww.intechopen.com cultural studies have shown that adoption of Western, go-easy lifestyles with reduced physical activity results in higher rates of obesity (Hodge, Dowse et al 1995), and increased obesity correlates with progressive hyperlipidemia (Berns, de Vries et al 1989). In addition, sedentary lifestyles among children lead to increased energy intake in the forms of fat, sweets, salty snacks, and carbonated beverages, and reduced intake of fruits and vegetables (Coon and Tucker 2002).…”

Triglycerides and Cardiovascular Disease

“…A low fasting triglyceride level (ie, Ͻ100 mg/dL) is commonly found in underdeveloped societies and countries at low CVD risk (eg, Africa, China, Greece, and Japan), [361][362][363][364][365][366][367][368][369][370][371][372][373] as contrasted with the United States, where mean levels are Ϸ15% to 30% higher. 6 Consistent with a reduced likelihood of abnormal metabolic parameters (eg, IR) are observational studies and clinical trials 3,232,367,374 -380 that have consistently demonstrated the lowest risk of incident and recurrent CVD in association with the lowest fasting triglyceride levels.…”

Prevalência de dislipidemias em adultos da demanda laboratorial de Salvador, Brasil

“…Low HDL occurred in 15.9 (14.2; 17.8)% of males and in 8.0 (7.1; 8.9)% of females. (20,5; 27,5); LDL elevado =26,1 (22,4; 29,3); HDL baixo =15,9 (14,2;17,8) e hipertrigliceridemia =27,6 (25,7; 29,5). Para mulheres: hipercolesterolemia =30,0 (27,8; 32,2), LDL elevado =33,1 (30,8; 35,4); HDL baixo =8,0 (7,1;8,9) e hipertrigliceridemia =30,4 (29,0; 31,4).…”