Distribution of LDL subgroups in patients with hyperlipidemia

Abstract

Background/aim: Low-density lipoproteins (LDLs) have been shown to be a major risk factor for coronary artery disease. Multiple distinct subspecies have been identified among LDL particles on the basis of differences in size, density, and chemical composition. Particles with a diameter of <25.5 nm are defined as small dense LDL (sdLDL) and have been shown to be associated with increased risk of coronary disease. Subjects with predominance of sdLDL (pattern B) tend to have higher levels of triglyceride (TG) and lower levels of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C). In this study, we investigated the distribution of LDL subgroups in subjects with different types of hyperlipidemia, such as hypertriglyceridemia (hyperTG), hypercholesterolemia (hyperCHO), and combined hyperlipidemia (HL).

Materials and methods: We used gradient gel electrophoresis and a precipitation method with heparin-magnesium reagent to determine LDL subgroups.

Results: It was found that there was a significant (P < 0.02) association between the lipid panel and LDL subgroups. The percentage of sdLDL in all HL groups was higher than in controls, and the ratio of sdLDL was highest in patients with hyperTG.

Conclusion: The predominance of sdLDL is closely related to hyperTG and low HDL-C levels.

Keywords: Hyperlipidemia; atherosclerosis; small dense low-density lipoproteins..