97: Buck’s Boston Heart Cholesterol Balance Test

Aug 19, 2024 · 21m 41s
97: Buck’s Boston Heart Cholesterol Balance Test
Description

Link to Buck's Results: https://drive.google.com/file/d/19BJaZNYwBxlPx4nR9695Q2NC3nNpgW6y/view?usp=sharing https://drive.google.com/file/d/1br1ikAJKmgKev9X3jkS7nUPdXpAqMzYd/view?usp=sharing Section 1: Overview of Cholesterol Metabolism - Cholesterol in the Body: - Cholesterol is essential for cell membrane integrity, hormone synthesis, and bile acid...

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Link to Buck's Results: https://drive.google.com/file/d/19BJaZNYwBxlPx4nR9695Q2NC3nNpgW6y/view?usp=sharing  https://drive.google.com/file/d/1br1ikAJKmgKev9X3jkS7nUPdXpAqMzYd/view?usp=sharing Section 1: Overview of Cholesterol Metabolism
  • Cholesterol in the Body:
    • Cholesterol is essential for cell membrane integrity, hormone synthesis, and bile acid production.
    • It is produced endogenously in the liver and absorbed exogenously from dietary sources.
  • Endogenous Production:
    • Cholesterol is synthesized in the liver through the mevalonate pathway.
    • Key intermediates: Lathosterol and Desmosterol, indicators of cholesterol production rate.
  • Exogenous Absorption:
    • Dietary cholesterol is absorbed in the intestines along with plant sterols like Beta-sitosterol and Campesterol.
    • These sterols compete with cholesterol for absorption, reflecting dietary cholesterol absorption levels.
Section 2: Detailed Analysis of the Test Components
  • Production Markers:
    • Lathosterol:
      • Precursor in the cholesterol biosynthesis pathway.
      • Elevated levels indicate increased hepatic cholesterol synthesis (overproduction).
      • Example: Lathosterol level of 329 µmol x 100/mmol in my study indicates hyperactive cholesterol production.
    • Desmosterol:
      • Another precursor in the synthesis pathway, contributing to total cholesterol production.
      • High levels reinforce the diagnosis of increased cholesterol production.
      • Example: Desmosterol level of 74 µmol x 100/mmol in my study supports elevated production.
  • Absorption Markers:
    • Beta-sitosterol:
      • Plant sterol absorbed in the intestines, competes with cholesterol.
      • High levels suggest increased absorption of dietary cholesterol.
      • Example: Beta-sitosterol level of 120 µmol x 100/mmol indicates borderline absorption.
    • Campesterol:
      • Similar to Beta-sitosterol, reflects cholesterol absorption efficiency.
      • Elevated levels indicate increased absorption.
      • Example: Campesterol level of 113 µmol x 100/mmol within normal limits but suggests absorption could be a factor.
  • Cholesterol Balance Score:
    • Ratio of production to absorption markers.
    • A higher score indicates predominant cholesterol production; a lower score indicates absorption as the main issue.
    • Example: Score of 2.4 suggests overproduction is the dominant issue.
Section 3: Clinical Implications and Treatment Strategies (10 minutes)
  • Frequency of Overproduction vs. Overabsorption:
    • Common to see patients with either overproduction or overabsorption, but less commonly both.
    • Overproducers: Significant portion of hypercholesterolemia patients, especially those with genetic conditions like Familial Hypercholesterolemia.
    • Overabsorbers: Often have high-cholesterol diets or genetic predispositions.
  • Treatment Implications:
    • Overproducers: Statins are first-line treatment; they inhibit HMG-CoA reductase in cholesterol synthesis.
    • Overabsorbers: Ezetimibe, which inhibits intestinal cholesterol absorption, can be effective.
    • Combination Therapy: Considered for mixed dyslipidemia cases.
  • Case Examples:
    • Example of a patient with high production markers but borderline absorption: Statin therapy may be appropriate, with potential addition of Ezetimibe.
    • Example of a patient who is a high absorber but not a high producer: Dietary changes and Ezetimibe might suffice without statins.
Section 4: Physiological Mechanisms and Genetic Considerations
  • Pathophysiology of Cholesterol Production:
    • Overproduction may result from genetic mutations (LDL receptor or PCSK9) or conditions like insulin resistance.
  • Pathophysiology of Cholesterol Absorption:
    • Increased absorption could be due to genetic polymorphisms (NPC1L1 gene), leading to higher dietary cholesterol absorption.
Section 5: Practical Application in Clinical Practice
  • Incorporating the Test into Clinical Workflow:
    • Integrate the Boston Heart Cholesterol Balance Test for patients with unexplained hypercholesterolemia or non-responders to standard therapy.
    • Tailor treatment based on whether a patient is an overproducer, an overabsorber, or both.
  • Patient Communication:
    • Explain test results in an understandable way, emphasizing personalized treatment plans.
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Author Buck Joffrey
Organization Richard bonn
Website -
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