Acute gastrointestinal bleeding and changes in lipid profile – pilot project

Czech version

Authors: V. Hrabovský ¹; A. Mendlová ²; Z. Zadák ³; V. Bláha ⁴; R. Hyšpler ⁴; A. Tichá ⁴; Z. Švagera ⁵
Authors‘ workplace: Interní klinika LF OU v Ostravě a FN Ostrava ¹; Metabolická JIP, FN Ostrava ²; Centrum pro vědu a výzkum, LF UK v Hradci Králové ³; Klinika gerontologická a metabolická, FN Hradec Králové ⁴; Ústav biochemie, FN Ostrava ⁵
Published in: Gastroent Hepatol 2013; 67(1): 30-36
Category: Clinical and Experimental Gastroenterology: Review Article

Overview

Purpose of the study:
The aim of this pilot study was to describe changes in lipid metabolism in patients with acute gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding and to assess possible influence of hemodilution and changes in the cholesterol synthesis/absorption process.

Material and methods:
In 12 patients with gastrointestinal bleeding, the levels of lipid metabolism (total, LDL and HDL cholesterol and triglycerides) were determined on days 0, 3 and 6. On the same days, levels of the cholesterol synthesis indexes (lathosterol, squalene) and absorption (campesterol, sitosterol) were determined. The results were evaluated in comparison with the control set, and cirrhotic and non-cirrhotic patients were compared. At the same time, correlations of lipids and haemoglobin, hematocrit levels anduse of transfusions were evaluated.

Results:
The patients had significantly lower levels of total cholesterol (p < 0.001). Decrease of LDL and HDL cholesterol was not significant. Concentrations of triglycerides were normal. Decrease of lathosterol was significant (p < 0.05), but decrease in squalene, campesterol and sitosterol levels was insignificant. Comparing patients with cirrhosis and without cirrhosis showed statistically significant difference in levels of cholesterol and lathosterol (p < 0.05). Correlations did not show any statistically significant findings.

Conclusion:
In patients with acute GI bleeding, changes is lipid metabolism including alteration of the process of synthesis and absorption were proved. Therefore, hypocholesterolemia cannot be explained by blood loss only. However, more detailed studies need to be carried out.

Key words:
gastrointestinal hemorrhage – lipids – cholesterol – triglycerides – sterols

The authors declare they have no potential conflicts of interest concerning drugs, products, or services used in the study.

The Editorial Board declares that the manuscript met the ICMJE „uniform requirements“ for biomedical papers.

Submitted:
10. 9. 2012

Accepted:
30. 1. 2013

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