In an attPmpt to determine the frequency with which metabolic abnormalitie~, particularly those related to glucose and lipoprotein metabolism, occur in association with premature arteriosclerosis, a study was conducted on 79 prematmcly arteriosclerotic men with no history of diabetes or evidence of it on routine analyses of the urine and blood. Men who had undergone gastroenterostomy or who had other diseases which would be likely to affect the glucose tolerance test were excluded.
CRITI~RI A AND METHODSThe criteria u:,:ed for t lw prrsenre of premature arteriosclerosis were: 1. The subject was under age 50, with definite evidence of arteriosclerosis at auy site.2. The subject was in the 50-60 nge group, with definite evidence of arteriosclerosis in more than one sill'.3. The subject was in the 61-65 age group, with definite evidence of arteriosclerosis in three or more sites.Of the 79 men studied, 44 were less than 50 years old. The three most common e\'idences of nrteriosclerosis were: (a) myocardial infarction proved electrocardiographically, and not of unusual etiology, (b) substantial calcification of arteries, seen on x-my films, and (c) arteriosclerosis obliterans in the lower extremities.The glucose tolerance test involved the ingestion of 100 grams of glucose in solution, and was carried out for thrre hours. Results were considered normal if the peak blood sugar value (Folin-Wu) wns below 190 mg per 100 ml, the fasting and the two-hour levels were less than 130 mg, and none of the values was below 70 mg.A modification of the Liebermann-Burchard reaction wns employed for analysis of the serum cholesterol. The Bro\\11 modification of the Folin-Wu direct color reaction wns usrd in the rlrtermination of semm uric acid. Serum protein fractionR were determined by use of the Beckman Model R paper electrophoresis system consisting of Durrum-type pnprr electrophoresis cells, Spinco Duost.at regulated power snppl~· nnd Model RB Analytrol. The paper strips were dyed with bromphenol blue in alcohol solution.
REStlLTSIn 77 of the 79 men (97 per cent), examination showed one or more of the following: an abnormal glucose tolerance curve, a serum cholesterol level higher than 250 mg per 100 ml, a serum uric acid level of 6 mg per 100 ml or higher, an abnormal pattern of ~Prum protein fractions (paper electrophoresis), obesity, and hypertension.In 39 of the 79 men ( 49 per cent), the glucose tolerance curve was of the diabetic type. In 21 of the 79 (27 per cent), the blood sugar concentration fell to the hypoglycemic range, usually in the third hour of the glucose tolerance test. In 50 of the 79 (63 per crnt), the glucose tolerance curve was abnormal • Present address: VetPrans :\