High-fat meal effect on LDL, HDL, and VLDL particle size and number in the Genetics of Lipid-Lowering drugs and diet network (GOLDN): an interventional study

Mary K Wojczynski,Michael Y Tsai,Stephen P Glasser,Paul N Hopkins,Jose M Ordovas,Donna K Arnett,Robert J Straka,Edmond K Kabagambe,Albert Oberman

doi:10.1186/1476-511x-10-181

Abstract

BackgroundPostprandial lipemia (PPL) is likely a risk factor for cardiovascular disease but these changes have not been well described and characterized in a large cohort. We assessed acute changes in the size and concentration of total and subclasses of LDL, HDL, and VLDL particles in response to a high-fat meal. Participants (n = 1048) from the Genetics of Lipid-Lowering Drugs and Diet Network (GOLDN) Study who ingested a high-fat meal were included in this analysis. Lipids were measured at 0 hr (fasting), 3.5 hr, and 6 hr after a standardized fat meal. Particle size distributions were determined using nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. Analyses were stratified by baseline triglycerides (normal vs. elevated) and gender. The effect of PPL on changes in lipoprotein subclasses was assessed using repeated measures ANOVA.ResultsPostprandially, LDL-C, HDL-C, VLDL-C, and triglycerides increased regardless of baseline triglyceride status, with the largest increases in VLDL-C and TG; however, those with elevated triglycerides demonstrated larger magnitude of response. Total LDL particle number decreased over the 6-hour time interval, mostly from a decrease in the number of small LDL particles. Similarly, total VLDL particle number decreased due to reductions in medium and small VLDL particles. Large VLDL particles and chylomicrons demonstrated the largest increase in concentration. HDL particles demonstrated minimal overall changes in total particle number.ConclusionsWe have characterized the changes in LDL and VLDL particle number, and their subclass patterns following a high-fat meal.

Highlights

Postprandial lipemia (PPL) is likely a risk factor for cardiovascular disease but these changes have not been well described and characterized in a large cohort
We sought to describe in a large cohort, acute changes in lipoprotein (LDL, HDL, and VLDL) particle sizes and numbers following a high-fat meal and to determine if the lipoprotein particle changes would vary by baseline triglyceride concentrations and gender
The present study focused on the PPL response to an acute (1-time) high-fat meal using data derived from the Genetics of Lipid-Lowering Drugs and Diet Network (GOLDN) Study

Summary

Introduction

Postprandial lipemia (PPL) is likely a risk factor for cardiovascular disease but these changes have not been well described and characterized in a large cohort. We assessed acute changes in the size and concentration of total and subclasses of LDL, HDL, and VLDL particles in response to a high-fat meal. Much research examines the major lipoproteins and lipid particle sizes in relation to cardiovascular disease, only a few relatively small studies have used the interventional methodology described here to examine changes in lipoprotein distribution and subclasses in the postprandial state following a high-fat challenge [11,12,13,14,15,16]. We sought to describe in a large cohort, acute changes in lipoprotein (LDL, HDL, and VLDL) particle sizes and numbers following a high-fat meal and to determine if the lipoprotein particle changes would vary by baseline triglyceride concentrations and gender

Methods

Results

Discussion

Conclusion