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Heterogeneity of serum low density lipoproteins in normal human subjects

Journal Article · · J. Lipid Res.; (United States)
OSTI ID:5246310

Equilibrium density gradient ultracentrifugation of serum low density lipoprotein (LDL) from twelve healthy human subjects was used to separate six subfractions with mean dinsity ranging from 1.0268 to 1.0597 g/ml. Mean corrected peak flotation rate (S/sup o//sub f/) measured by analytic ultracentrifugation, and mean particle diameter determined by negative staining electron microscopy, both declined significantly with increasing density of the subfractions. Major differences in chemical composition of the subfractions were noted, including a singnificantly lower triglyceride content and higher ratio of cholesteryl ester to triglyceride in the middle fractions compared with those of highest and lowest density. Concentration of fraction 2 correlated positively with HDL (P < 0.01) and negatively with VLDL (P < 0.001); concentration of fraction 4 correlated negatively with HDL (P < 0.05) and positively with VLDL (P < 0.001) and IDL (P < 0.01). LDL may thus include subspecies of differing structure and composition which might also have different metabolic and atherogenic roles.

Research Organization:
Lawrence Berkeley Lab., CA
OSTI ID:
5246310
Journal Information:
J. Lipid Res.; (United States), Journal Name: J. Lipid Res.; (United States) Vol. 22; ISSN JLPRA
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English