Search PubMed⌕ Search

SEARCH · Search PubMed

Results for “LIPOPROTEINS”

Search indexed PubMed citations on genomics, clinical trials, systematic reviews and public health. Explore titles, authors and supplied subject terms, then open the PubMed record.

Quote a phrase for an exact phrase match. Source license links do not imply unrestricted reuse.

At least 667 records · Page 37Linked to original sources
PubMed1984

Lipoproteins, lipoprotein lipase, and glycogen after prolonged physical activity.

The effect of strenuous exercise on lipoprotein level and composition as well as on lipoprotein lipase activity (LPLA) and glycogen stores in skeletal muscle was studied in 16 healthy young men after military field maneuvers. Body weight was reduced by 1 kg after the maneuvers and was gradually restored during a 5-day recovery phase. Glycogen levels were reduced by 50% and LPLA increased threefold immediately after the exercise, and neither were restored until 3-5 days of recovery. Serum triglycerides were decreased by about 50% after 1 day of recovery and the cholesterol concentration in high-density lipoproteins increased but only immediately after exercise. In contrast, the apolipoproteins A-I and A-II, the main protein constituents, were both decreased and remained so for 3-5 days. The results indicate that significant alterations of plasma lipoprotein level and composition as well as of muscle metabolism occur after prolonged physical exertion and that some changes are still evident after 5 days of recovery.

Adult↗
PubMed1985

Lipoprotein metabolism in patients with elevated lipoprotein-lipase activity in adipose tissue.

We have evaluated the relationships between adipose tissue lipoprotein-lipase activity (AT-LPL) or post-heparin plasma lipolytic activity (PHLA) and the composition of circulating lipoproteins in 7 patients with multiple symmetric lipomatosis (MSL). In addition we have investigated the behaviour of serum triglycerides after an oral fat load (1 g triglycerides/kg body weight) in 5 MSL patients and in 5 age and sex matched controls. We found significantly higher values of HDL, HDL2 and HDL3 cholesterol in MSL patients than in controls. Moreover, HDL2/HDL3 cholesterol ratio was higher in MSL patients than in controls, which indicate a predominant increase in HDL2 subfraction. The mean values of AT-LPL in lipomatous tissue was significantly higher than in control tissue. A positive statistically significant correlation was found between AT-LPL activity and HDL, HDL2 and HDL3 cholesterol values. After the fat load the maximal increments of serum triglyceride levels and the triglyceride areas over 8 and 12 h are lower in MSL patients than in controls; there was an inverse, statistically significant correlation between the total PHLA or the extrahepatic PHLA values and the triglyceride areas after lipid load. We conclude that MSL represents a useful naturally occurring model for the study of the role of AT-LPL in the metabolism of triglyceride-rich lipoproteins and in the clearance of lipoproteins in the post-prandial phase.

Adipose Tissue↗
PubMed1983

Distribution and partial characterization of the plasma lipoproteins in the hedgehog (Erinaceus europaeus L.), a hibernator with potential use in the study of the hormonal regulation of lipoprotein metabolism.

The hedgehog is a hibernator in which yearly cycles of several endocrine activities and seasonal variations of plasma lipids have already been demonstrated. We have consequently undertaken a study of plasma lipids and lipoproteins in this animal, bled during late April and May. Plasma cholesterol levels (178 +/- 30 mg/100 ml) were comparable with those in normal humans, while triacylglycerol was lower (46 +/- 17 mg/100 ml) and phospholipids higher (252 +/- 35 mg/100 ml). The main characteristics of the plasma lipoprotein spectrum, as determined by sequential and density gradient preparative ultracentrifugation, analytical ultracentrifugation and gel filtration chromatography, were (1) a low concentration of very-low-density components (d less than 1.006 g/ml, about 20 mg/100 ml); (2) a continuity between the low (1.006-1.063 g/ml) and high (1.063-1.21 g/ml) density components, the former (about 150 mg/100 ml) exhibiting a considerable heterogeneity upon polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis while the latter were largely predominating (570 mg/100 ml); (3) the presence, at a density of 1.087 g/ml, of a band migrating electrophoretically like human low-density lipoproteins, a finding consistent with the results of apolipoprotein electrophoresis, which showed the presence of a high-molecular-weight counterpart to apolipoprotein B, in both the low- and high-density ranges defined above; (4) the presence, throughout the entire density spectrum, of an apolipoprotein with molecular weight and mobility in polyacrylamide/urea gels similar to human apolipoprotein A-I, and (5) the presence of very-high-density lipoproteins (d 1.178-1.259 g/ml) responsible for the transport of approximately 15% of plasma cholesterol and 20% of phospholipids.

Animals↗
PubMed1994

Very-fast ultracentrifugation of human plasma lipoproteins: influence of the centrifugal field on lipoprotein composition.

A short run-time in separation of lipoproteins by preparative ultracentrifugation is desirable for several reasons. Recently, a method was described that needs only 100 min for one run in a centrifugal field of 625,000 x g. It is assumed that lipoprotein separation depends on the rotor speed but this has not been systematically studied in centrifugal fields of this order. We performed such a study. Rotor speeds of 120, 90, 60 and 30 x 10(3) rev./min and run-times of 100 min, 3 h, 6.7 h and 27 h were selected in such a way that the product of centrifugal field and run-time remained constant. The first conditions correspond to the 'very fast ultracentrifugation' (VFU) procedure with a centrifugal field of 625,000 x g. The Optima tabletop ultracentrifuge, the rotor TLA-120.2 and thick wall open tubes for 1 ml were used. Thirteen different plasma samples covering a wide range of cholesterol and triglyceride concentrations were separated into VLDL, LDL and HDL in the course of two centrifugal runs at densities of 1.006 and 1.063. The constituents of the lipoproteins were calculated considering the mass of the tube contents after slicing. Recoveries of cholesterol, triglycerides and protein were 97%, 98% and 90%, respectively. The influence of the rotor speed on the apparent composition of the lipoproteins was small. With increasing rotor speed, VLDL-cholesterol became higher (by 14%, P < 0.001), VLDL-triglyceride became lower (by 6%, P < 0.012), LDL-cholesterol became lower (by 9%, P < 0.000). The effects on LDL-triglyceride and on HDL-cholesterol and HDL-triglyceride, did not reach statistical significance. Protein in VLDL and in LDL decreased and increased in 'HDL' (the subnatant of the LDL run). As checked by SDS-PAGE the protein effects were due to complete disappearance of albumin from VLDL and LDL while the apolipoproteins B-100, E and C-I to C-III remained unaffected. It is concluded that the main advantages of VFU are the short run-time and the disappearance of albumin from VLDL and LDL. The other compositional changes need to be further investigated.

Apolipoproteins↗
PubMed1976

Glucocorticoids and triglyceride transport: effects on triglyceride secretion rates, lipoprotein lipase, and plasma lipoproteins in the rat.

In order to elucidate the mechanism(s) of hyperlipidemia following glucocorticoid administration, dexamethasone (0.125 mg/Kg) was administered daily intramuscularly for 2 wk to male Sprague-Dawley rats and the effects on plasma triglyceride (TG) and cholesterol (Chol), lipoprotein neutral lipids, hepatic triglyceride secretion rates (TGSR; Triton), and epididymal fat lipoprotein lipase (LPL) were determined. Special measures were taken to maintain positive caloric balance and keep the weights of control and dexamethasone-treated animals comparable. Significant increases (p less than 0.001) in TG and very-low density lipoprotein (VLDL) triglyceride associated with no change in Chol and actual reduction in both triglyceride and cholesterol in low density lipoprotein (ldl) were observed in the steroid-treated animals. Dexamethasone treatment was associated with increased basal insulin and glucose levels, an insignificant increment in TGSR, and a highly significant reduction (p less than 0.001) in LPL. These findings suggest that glucocorticoid treatment increases splanchnic triglyceride production rates, but the resulting hypertriglyceridemia is primarily a consequence of impaired VLDL removal due to low adipose tissue LPL activity.

Animals↗
PubMed1985

Serum lipoproteins and endogenous sex hormones in early life: observations in children with different lipoprotein profiles.

Relationships of endogenous testosterone, androstenedione, dehydroepiandrosterone, estradiol, and progesterone to lipoprotein cholesterol levels were examined concurrently in four groups of children (N = 375, age range 6 to 18 years) whose earlier VLDL-cholesterol and/or LDL-cholesterol levels were in the extreme quintiles or quartiles. In terms of significant correlations, estradiol related inversely with VLDL-cholesterol in prepubertal boys (-0.28) and pubertal girls (-0.34), while estradiol/testosterone ratios related inversely with LDL-cholesterol in pubertal girls (-0.27). HDL-cholesterol related negatively with testosterone in pubertal boys (-0.24) and positively with estradiol in pubertal girls (0.40). With respect to contrasting lipoprotein profiles, high LDL-cholesterol groups had significantly high progesterone/estradiol ratio (boys: 8.6 v 6.9; girls: 8.3 v 5.1), high progesterone (girls only: 0.40 v 0.29 ng/mL) and low estradiol/testosterone ratio (girls: 0.15 v 0.21; prepubertal boys: 0.09 v 0.21). Pubertal girls from high VLDL-cholesterol groups showed markedly low estradiol (71 v 120 pg/mL) and estradiol/testosterone ratio (0.11 v 0.19). These results emphasize the role of endogenous sex hormones in modulating lipoprotein concentrations as well as in the sexual divergence of lipoprotein profiles between males and females following puberty.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1983

Experimental hyperthyroidism in man: effects on plasma lipoproteins, lipoprotein lipase and hepatic lipase.

We have studied the effects of triiodothyronine administration (20-40 micrograms three times daily over one week) in six healthy young men, on the activities of lipoprotein lipase and hepatic lipase and on plasma lipoprotein concentrations. Hepatic lipase activity in post-heparin plasma rose by 46 +/- 25% (p less than 0.025), whereas the activity of lipoprotein lipase did not change significantly. Plasma cholesterol concentrations decreased by about 20% (p less than 0.025), whereas there was no change in plasma triglyceride levels. The fall in plasma cholesterol could be accounted for by a reduction of HDL cholesterol (-11%, p less than 0.025) as well as LDL cholesterol (-27%, p less than 0.025). The data emphasize the role of hepatic lipase in the lipoprotein alterations associated with thyroid dysfunction.

Adult↗
PubMed1982

Delayed clearance of very low density and intermediate density lipoproteins with enhanced conversion to low density lipoprotein in WHHL rabbits.

Rabbit livers express two genetically distinct receptors for plasma lipoproteins: (i) the low density lipoprotein (LDL) receptor and (ii) the chylomicron remnant receptor. In homozygous Watanabe-heritable hyperlipidemic (WHHL) rabbits, an animal model for human familial hypercholesterolemia, LDL receptors are genetically deficient, but chylomicron remnant receptors are normal. Hence, WHHL rabbits clear LDL from the circulation at an abnormally slow rate, but they clear chylomicron remnants at a normal rate. The current studies show that WHHL rabbits clear 125I-labeled very low density lipoprotein (VLDL) and its metabolic product, intermediate density lipoprotein (IDL), from plasma at a markedly decreased rate. The impaired clearance is due to a profound decrease in the rate of uptake of 125I-labeled VLDL and 125I-labeled IDL by the liver. Because of its rapid clearance in normal rabbits, only a fraction of the 125I-labeled apoprotein B component of VLDL is converted to LDL. In WHHL rabbits, the impaired clearance of VLDL leads to a markedly increased conversion of 125I-labeled apoprotein B from VLDL to LDL. These results indicate that: (i) in rabbits, the LDL receptor mediates the rapid removal of VLDL and IDL from plasma, and (ii), a deficiency of LDL receptors leads to an enhanced conversion of VLDL to LDL. The combination of overproduction and impaired plasma clearance of LDL, both resulting from a single gene mutation in the LDL receptor, leads to a massive increase of plasma LDL levels in homozygous WHHL rabbits.

Animals↗
PubMed1998

Scavenger receptor, class B, type I-dependent stimulation of cholesterol esterification by high density lipoproteins, low density lipoproteins, and nonlipoprotein cholesterol.

Scavenger receptor, class B, type I (SR-BI) is a cell surface glycoprotein that mediates selective uptake and efflux of sterols from high density lipoproteins (HDL) to cells. A Chinese hamster ovary cell line that is deficient in functional LDL receptors, but has high expression levels of recombinant SR-BI (ldlA7-SR-BI), was used to examine the effect of SR-BI on the trafficking of sterols between lipoproteins and cells. To monitor the fate of sterols transported by SR-BI into cells, we measured the incorporation of [14C]oleate into cholesterol esters by acyl-CoA:cholesteryl acyltransferase in the endoplasmic reticulum. We show that incubation of ldlA7-SRBI cells with either LDL or HDL resulted in an equally dramatic increase in the formation of [14C]oleate-labeled cholesterol esters. The lipoprotein-stimulated, SR-BI-dependent increase in cholesterol esterification was inhibited by chloroquine. The uptake of sterols and their incorporation into cholesterol esters by SR-BI from LDL was largely a selective process. The addition of free cholesterol to ldlA7-SRBI cells also stimulated cholesterol ester formation in a chloroquine-sensitive fashion. We also show that SR-BI mediates the efflux of endogenously synthesized sterols from the cell membrane. From these studies we conclude that, in the absence of the LDL receptor, overexpression of SR-BI can mediate significant transport of sterols between lipoproteins and the endoplasmic reticulum of cells.

Acids↗
PubMed1988

Effect of ethanol dose on low density lipoproteins and high density lipoprotein subfractions.

Male squirrel monkeys were fed increasing caloric percentages (0, 12, 24, and 36%) of ethanol (ETOH) substituted isocalorically for carbohydrate as part of a chemically defined liquid diet to assess how alcohol dose modifies plasma lipoproteins and liver function. A separate group of primates was used to define the dose at which elevations in plasma apolipoprotein B first occurred and to measure plasma alcohol levels. ETOH caused a dose-related, linear increase in high density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol which was primarily the result of increments in coronary protective HDL2 cholesterol. HDL2 total mass (lipid + protein) followed the pattern of HDL2 cholesterol. Animals fed the 12% regimen had plasma ETOH levels of approximately 49 mg/dl, the lowest low density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, and the highest HDL2/HDL3 cholesterol ratio. Significant elevations in apolipoprotein B first appeared at 18% ETOH while higher doses (24 and 36%) caused increases in LDL cholesterol and HDL3, reduced HDL2/HDL3 ratios, and plasma alcohol levels of 142 and 202 mg/dl, respectively. Liver function tests were normal for all animals. Our results indicate that while a moderate ETOH caloric intake (12%) produces an antiatherogenic lipoprotein profile (decreases LDL/HDL, increases HDL2/HDL3), any coronary protection afforded by continued increases in HDL2 at higher doses may be attenuated by concurrent atherogenic alterations (increases LDL cholesterol, increases apolipoprotein B).

Alcohol Drinking↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Hepatocyte damage induced by carbon tetrachloride: inhibited lipoprotein secretion and changed lipoprotein composition.

Changes of lipoprotein secretion and composition in response to CCl4 treatment were studied in monolayer cultures of rat primary hepatocytes. (1) CCl4 decreased secretion of very low density lipoproteins (VLDL) by about 85%, while high density lipoprotein (HDL) secretion was less affected (about 40%). The effect was concentration-dependent. (2) CCl4 significantly inhibited secretion of VLDL- and HDL-associated triglycerides and cholesterol esters. VLDL- and HDL-associated cholesterol was not affected, while secretion of phospholipids was increased. (3) Hepatocytes secreted the apolipoproteins B48, B100, E, C, and A-I. CCl4 reduced secretion of apoproteins associated with VLDL by almost 20%, and by about 75% when associated with HDL. The de novo synthesis of apolipoproteins was attenuated by CCl4. (4) CCl4 caused variations in the apolipoprotein composition in VLDL and HDL. CCl4 intoxication of the liver affected the morphology and/or function of the lipoproteins, which drastically impaired their ability to act as transport vehicles for lipids from the liver to the circulation.

Animals↗
PubMed1983

Relations between thyroid function, hepatic and lipoprotein lipase activities, and plasma lipoprotein concentrations.

Lipoprotein concentrations and activities of lipoprotein lipase (LPL) and hepatic lipase (HL) were measured in 70 subjects with thyroid function ranging from overt hypothyroidism over subclinical hypothyroidism and euthyroidism to hyperthyroidism. In parallel with serum T3 (S-T3) concentrations increasing from low in hypothyroidism to high in hyperthyroidism there were gradually higher HL activities over the full spectrum of thyroid function, accompanied by decreasing levels of total and low density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol. High density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol was lower (P less than 0.05) in hyperthyroidism than in euthyroidism but not significantly changed in the hypothyroid groups. HL was correlated to S-T3 (r = 0.77, P less than 0.001), LDL cholesterol to log S-T3 (r = -0.76, P less than 0.001), and LDL cholesterol to log HL (r = -0.55, P less than 0.001). The activity of LPL was decreased (P less than 0.001) in overt hypothyroidism compared to euthyroidism but, in contrast to HL, the activity of LPL was not increased in hyperthyroidism. The plasma triglyceride (P-TG) concentration was elevated (P less than 0.01) in overt hypothyroidism but not significantly changed in subclinical hypothyroidism or in hyperthyroidism. The LPL activity was correlated to log S-T3 (r = 0.45, P less than 0.001), P-TG to log S-T3 (r = -0.37, P less than 0.01) and P-TG to log LPL activity (r = -0.71, P less than 0.001). Our results demonstrate that thyroid hormones influence HL and LPL activities in different ways, suggesting different mechanisms of action. Changes in HL activity seem to be an important mechanism for the disturbance of cholesterol metabolism in thyroid dysfunction while the thyroid hormone influence on LPL seems to be of importance mainly for the disturbance in triglyceride metabolism.

Adult↗
PubMed1976

Lipoprotein composition and lipoprotein interrelations in 50-year-old men with hyperlipoproteinaemia.

The serum lipoprotein (LP) composition and LP lipid interrelations were studied in 50-year-old men with different types of hyperlipoproteinaemia (HLP) and in randomly sampled health controls from the same population. The ratio cholesterol/triglycerides in very low density lipoproteins (VLDL)was high in HLP type III. The other types of HLP showed ratios not significantly different from the controls. The low density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol concentration was similar in controls, type III and type IV while, by definition, higher values were seen in type II A and II B. All types of HLP showed statistically significantly higher LDL triglycerides than the controls. HLP type II A and II B showed cholesterol/triglyceride ratios in LDL similar to the controls. The corresponding ratio in type IV was lower than in the control subjects but the lowest ratio was seen in type III with a mean value below the 5th percentile of healthy controls. The high density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol concentration was decreased in HLP type IV. Apparently elevated HDL triglyceride levels were seen in all types of HLP with the highest mean value in type III. The LP lipid interclass relationships were analysed in the random sample of health men and compared to corresponding relationships in the different types of HLP. Apart from HLP type III and HLP type IV with low LDL cholesterol levels all other types of LP interconversions. Intype IV a significant negative correlation between VLDL concentration and LDL cholesterol concentration and the cholesterol/triglyceride ratio in VLDL. There were no significant correlations between LDL cholesterol concentration and VLDL lipid variables in other types of HLP and normolipidaemia.

Age Factors↗
PubMed1987

Lipid transfer protein-catalyzed exchange of cholesteryl ester between high density lipoproteins and apoB-containing lipoproteins.

Low density lipoproteins (LDL), lipoprotein (a)(Lp(a)), and lipoprotein(a) after removal of the a-protein (Lp(a-)) were compared with respect to their ability to accept cholesteryl ester from high density lipoproteins (HDL). The incubations were performed at constant concentrations of HDL and various concentrations of either LDL, Lp(a), or Lp(a-). Lp(a) exchanged cholesteryl ester with HDL, but at a rate that was only 48.5 +/- 3.8% of the exchange rate found in the presence of autologous LDL. Cleavage of the apo(a) from Lp(a) resulted in Lp(a-), an LDL-like particle, with characteristics of cholesteryl ester exchange very similar to LDL.

Apolipoproteins B↗
PubMed1993

Sequential ultracentrifugation micromethod for separation of serum lipoproteins and assays of lipids, apolipoproteins, and lipoprotein particles.

We describe a fast sequential separation of very-low-density, low-density, and high-density lipoproteins from 400 microL of serum, using the Beckman TL100 ultracentrifuge. The cumulative centrifugation time is 9.5 h. The purity of lipoprotein fractions was verified by a gel-filtration procedure. The major contaminant is the serum albumin, which can be eliminated by a second centrifugation at the same density. Enzymatic measurement of lipids shows good recovery (> 91%) and weak within-sample variation (< 7%). In comparison with a density-gradient procedure, the deleterious effects on the lipoprotein structure appear to be limited, as shown by the low concentrations of apolipoprotein (apo) E and apo A-I in the fraction > 1.21 kg/L. Furthermore, the micro-ultracentrifugation also gives a better recovery rate. Finally, we have studied the distribution of lipids, apolipoproteins, and lipoprotein particles (LpA-I:A-II, LpB:C-III, LpB:E) in each fraction separated from 10 serum samples from healthy subjects.

Adult↗
PubMed1993

Susceptibility of small, dense, low-density lipoproteins to oxidative modification in subjects with the atherogenic lipoprotein phenotype, pattern B.

PURPOSE: To test whether low-density lipoprotein (LDL) from subjects with an atherogenic lipoprotein phenotype characterized by small, dense LDL (pattern B) demonstrates greater susceptibility to oxidative modification than LDL from subjects exhibiting primarily larger, more buoyant LDL particles (pattern A). PATIENTS AND METHODS: Measures of susceptibility to oxidative modification were compared in six density subfractions of LDL isolated from pattern A and pattern B subjects. Seven male and three female pattern A subjects and five male and two female pattern B subjects, classified on the basis of peak LDL particle size, were studied. Plasma lipid and lipoprotein levels, apolipoprotein B, mean LDL particle diameter, lag phase, and rate of oxidation after initiation of oxidation by copper sulfate were measured. RESULTS: The lag time, a measure of resistance to oxidative modification, was inversely related (p < 0.001) to LDL density in both groups of subjects, without an independent effect of phenotype. The fraction that had the major LDL peak had a shorter lag time (p < 0.05) in pattern B than in pattern A. Pattern B subjects also demonstrated an increased rate of oxidation (p < 0.005) in fraction 1, which includes remnants of triglyceride-rich lipoproteins. CONCLUSIONS: The increased atherogenic risk associated with the pattern B phenotype may result in part from increased concentrations of lipoprotein subpopulations that are relatively susceptible to oxidative modification.

Adult↗
PubMed1983

Chromatofocusing of human high density lipoproteins and isolation of lipoproteins A and A-I.

Using chromatofocusing, a column chromatography method with an internally generated pH gradient and focusing effects, human plasma high density lipoproteins (HDL) were fractionated into six subclasses within an interval of less than 1 pH unit (pH 5.1-4.2). All fractions floated in the ultracentrifuge at density = 1.21 g X ml-1, retained a typical HDL electron micrographic morphology and as a single band, alpha-migration on agarose electrophoresis. Compositional analysis of the subclasses revealed an inverse relationship between cholesterol ester and cholesterol on a molar basis. Distinct differences in the distribution of the apolipoproteins between the fractions were found. Two of the subclasses contained only apolipoprotein A-I and were therefore considered to be two forms of the lipid-combined form of apolipoprotein A-I, i.e., lipoprotein A-I. One subclass contained only apolipoproteins A-I + A-II and was, therefore, lipoprotein A. One subclass contained apolipoproteins A-I + A-II + D, and the two remaining contained additionally apolipoproteins C and E. Lipoprotein A-I was also demonstrated after immunoabsorption of apolipoprotein A-II-containing lipoproteins from whole serum. It is suggested that this method, which allows the fractionation of HDL into subclasses with distinct differences in apolipoprotein composition, offers new avenues for the study of the structural and metabolic heterogeneity of HDL.

Apolipoprotein A-I↗
PubMed1994

Influence of lipoprotein lipids, dietary fat and smoking on macrophage degradation of native and oxidized low density lipoprotein.

Relatively little is known about the biological mechanisms by which lipoproteins promote atherogenesis. It has, however, been shown that structural modification of low density lipoprotein (LDL), such as by oxidation, results in their uptake and degradation by intimal macrophages and consequently leads to formation of lipid-rich atherosclerotic lesions. The aim of the present investigation was to study the influence of dietary intake of fat, lipoprotein lipid composition, smoking and gender on macrophage degradation of LDL before and after oxidation. The study group consisted of 48 males and 56 females with hyperlipidemia taking part in the open prerandomization phase of the Probucol Quantitative Regression Swedish Trial (PQRST). Analysis including lipoprotein determinations, dietary and smoking habit interviews, LDL degradation by macrophages, LDL receptor binding and LDL thiobarbituric acid reactive substance (TBARS) levels before and after copper ion-induced oxidation was done during the pre-andomization phase of the study. Increased plasma and very low density lipoprotein (VLDL) triglyceride levels were associated with an increased macrophage degradation of native LDL, whereas no such association was found after oxidation of LDL. The dietary intake of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) was also inversely related to the degradation of native LDL by macrophages, but increased the rate at which oxidized LDL was degraded. Smoking and gender did not influence the rate of macrophage degradation of native or oxidized LDL. It is concluded that hypertriglyceridemia is associated with an increased macrophage degradation of LDL. This may represent a mechanism by which hypertriglyceridemia promotes atherosclerosis.

Adult↗