Gender differences in LDL and HDL subfractions in atherogenic and nonatherogenic phenotypes

Abstract

ObjectivesThe aim of our study was to examine the role of low density lipoprotein (LDL)-subfractions in individuals with the atherogenic and non-atherogenic phenotype and the gender differences in lipoprotein subfractions including small dense LDL (sdLDL) and small high density lipoprotein (sHDL) subfractions representing the most atherogenic lipoprotein subfractions. Design & methods35 persons in the atherogenic group (AG) (with sdLDL3–7 subfractions ≥6 mg/dl) and 104 individuals in the non-atherogenic group (NAG) (sdLDL3–7 subfractions <6 mg/dl) were included in our study. To analyze plasma lipoprotein subfractions, a polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis–the Lipoprint system was used. ResultsMales compared to females in the AG had significantly higher levels of atherogenic lipoprotein subfractions such as HDL8, HDL9 and HDL10. All participants in AG had significantly lower levels of intermediate density lipoprotein IDL-A than those in NAG but significantly higher levels of IDL-B and IDL-C. Males in the AG compared to NAG had significantly lower levels of LDL1 and higher levels of LDL2 and LDL3–7 subfractions. In the NAG LDL2 positively correlated with sHDL subfractions while in the AG with the large HDL subfraction. ConclusionResults of our study demonstrate more atherogenic profile in males compared to females and a double role of LDL2 subfraction in the atherogenic process depending on the phenotype (atherogenic/non-atherogenic) of individuals.