Computer program for iterative evaluation of fractional turnover rates by exponential regression: application to the...

A microcomputer program ('EXREG') in GW BASIC was developed for fitting experimental data of A(T) to the equation A = A0 + A1.exp(-K.T) by exponential regression. In an iterative procedure K-values are tested to yield the maximum coefficient of determination. The accuracy of K is further improved in consecutive steps. The program is used to obtain the fractional turnover rate K of radiolabelled very low density lipoprotein (VLDL)-triglycerides in patients suffering from disturbances of lipid metabolism. A is the radioactivity of VLDL-triglycerides which is measured after isolation from blood. Seventeen consecutive blood samples are taken within a period of 24 h after injection of radioactive glycerol. T is the time after injection. The production rate of VLDL-triglycerides is calculated using K, the VLDL-triglyceride concentration, the body weight and height.