INFLUENCE OF FITNESS STATUS ON VLDL SUBFRACTIONS 735

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to examine the influence of physical activity level of men and women on VLDL subfractions and lipoprotein (a). Fifty-four men (n=30) and women (n=24), ages 30-53, were recruited based on their level of activity over the past two years and formed three groups: sedentary (S), no routine activity; recreational exercise (R), routine moderate exercise 3-5 times per week; and trained (T), competition based intense aerobic training, 5-7 times per week. Each subject performed a maximal oxygen consumption test and was measured for body composition (skinfolds) and waist to hip (W/H) ratio. Following a prescribed 24 h diet and abstinence from activity, each subject had blood drawn and plasma analyzed for cholesterol and triglycerides in VLDL1, VLDL2, and VLDL3 subfractions. HDL-C also was analyzed. Total VLDL-C was higher in men than women, but no gender differences were observed in VLDL subfractions. VLDL1-TG and VLDL2-TG were elevated in the S group compared to R and T, even though total VLDL-TG values were not different among the groups. W/H ratio was different between the S and T groups. The two exercising groups were not different on any lipoprotein variable or W/H ratio. VLDL1-TG was inversely correlated to maximal oxygen consumption and HDL-C. These results suggest that lifestyle activity is associated with a favorable VLDL subfraction pattern and W/H ratio. In addition, lifestyle recreational activity is associated with a similar lipoprotein profile and W/H ratio as vigorous, competitive exercise training.