Raising Low HDL Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Raising Low HDL - Essay Example The pathological picture in an atherosclerotic lesion suggests accumulation of LDL and its oxidation in the vascular subendothelial space, where monocytes from the circulation enter to initiate an inflammatory reaction that would lead eventually to atheroma formation. Research has also demonstrated that monocyte entry occurs at the sites of LDL peroxidation, suggesting that oxidation is the cause of monocytes entry. Research has also shown that HDL apoA-I and apoA-I mimetic peptides have been shown to prevent LDL oxidation. Moreover, HDL apoA-I and apoA-I mimetic peptides have been shown to decrease atherosclerotic lesions and improve vascular reactivity in humans. Regarding its mechanism of action in producing beneficial effects against atherogenesis, studies have suggested that HDL enhances the reverse cholesterol transport. Over the top of it, apoA-I is also capable of scavenging the seeding molecules from LDL, thus preventing the LDL-derived phospholipid oxidation and the inflamm atory response out of the byproducts. Thus, clinical managements directed towards improving the HDL cholesterols in the body could result in a therapeutic option of prophylactic potential in persons who are prone to atherosclerosis due to lifestyle reasons of high cholesterol and high triglycerides (Navab, M et al., 2004). Consequently, there are many therapeutic options available to enhance the HDL in human beings, and they are Fibrates, Niacin, and recently Fish oils containing omega-3 fatty acids. All of them are recommended; however, given the volume of evidence, it is very difficult to create a guideline for the patients. This work intends to critically review contemporary literature to compare the findings so a single agent can be chosen based on evidence in order to raise the HDL levels in blood. Fibrates: While statins are regarded as therapeutic cornerstones in dyslipidemia, they are ineffective because they have proven efficacy in reducing the plasma levels of LDL-C. However, they are incompetent is reducing the elevated concentrations of triglyceride rich lipoproteins, VLDL and VLDL remnants, and they have minimal actions in increasing the low levels of HDL-C that are protective. Fibrates have been observed to "reduce plasma levels of triglycerides by 30-50% and typically increase levels of HDL-C by 5-15%, depending on lipid phenotype and baseline concentration. Fibrates may also reduce LDL-C potentially by up to 15-20% although the effect is variable, depending on the underlying lipid abnormality and baseline lipid phenotype "(Chapman, MJ., 2006). This indicates individuals treated with Fibrates, levels of LDL would decrease when their plasma concentrations are elevated and HDL-C levels will increase when baseline plasma concentrations are low. Moreover, it efficiently r educes apoIII-C containing lipid particles which are acknowledged to be markers of increased risks for atherogenesis. The increased HDL levels following Fibrates are generally reflected by increased plasma levels of apoA-I and apoA-II. The Fibrates act via activation of a nuclear transcription factor PPAR in vascular tissues that actively metabolize lipids. This can be used for both primary prevention and secondary prevention of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease with demonstrably significant decrease in the rates of

Ending Hunger from the Elderly Population Essay

Ending Hunger from the Elderly Population - Essay Example On the other hand food insecurity is also increasing at an exceptional rate in less developed countries, but its growth rate is also significant in the elderly population of the developed nations including America. According to the survey conducted by (Weill), majority of the elderly population in US, is suffering from the phenomenon of malnutrition and food insecurity. However the solution lies in developing a better food distribution network in US, which should provide the food according to the need of every individual and family irrespective of the race, religion and age. This solution is most logical one, because of the observation registered by (Pothukuchi and Kaufman) that points out a deficency in the food distribution system in US. This unjust distribution system for food is the evidence of racism in the culture of America (Zolberg), where whites have so much food to stock, whereas the people with colored skin are starving from hunger. Another factor which is contributing tow ards growing hunger in elders, is the individualistic culture that motivates people to concentrate on their own lives, therefore, they have little time to care about their elders (Savikko). The growing phenomenon of hunger is also causing the health standards of elders to drop significantly, because the medication, these people are taking require healthy food intake for its effectiveness. Majority of the researchers are emphasizing on the implementation of the policies to raise the degree of self sufficiency through training and development (Bowenng, Clancy and Poppendieck), but this paper is against this viewpoint, because old people are often unable to grasp new skills and their ability to actively work is also become limited due to aging. However, govermental agencies are also fairly active in providing relieve to the elderly population in America, but these activities are proven to be less than effective in uprooting the undirsable situation caused by hunger. On the other hand i f this condition is not countered effectively, then it will encompass other citizens of US in round about five years, because right now, US agricultural sector is producing food that is more than its need, but the population growth will cause severe food shortage in US food market, during coming years. In this situation Americans will have to import food items from other countries, which will result in rise in the prices of food items in the local market. This will, therefore worsen the situation for elderly population with minimum income level. It is evident, from the above discussion that, US ought to plan for the demand and supply situation concerning food in the future, otherwise the shortage of food will increase and encompass other members of the population along with elders. The methods of economical health services along with the less expensive and consistent food supply for elders in the society, could be an effective measure for counteracting the developing phenomenon of h unger and food insecurity. Conclusion In the light of a thoroughly conducted field survey, 80% of the food deprived population is constituted by African American elderly males in the shiny city of New York (Bowenng, Clancy, & Poppendieck, 1991). This observation compelled this effort to notify that, racism is still present in the very roots of the American Society,