SUBFRACTION DISTRIBUTION OF APO B-CONTAINING LIPOPROTEINS DEPENDING ON THE ACHIEVEMENT OF THE TARGET LEVEL OF LOW DENSITY LIPOPROTEINS UNDER STATINS THERAPY IN PATIENTS WITH CORONARY ATHEROSCLEROSIS

Abstract

Aim. To reveal whether there are differences in subfractional distribution of apo B-containing lipoproteins in men and women with coronary atherosclerosis treated with statins depending on low density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol level. Material and methods . Patients aged 33-85 years with angiography documented coronary atherosclerosis were included into the study (n=133): 97 men (mean age 61±9.0 years) and 36 postmenopausal women (mean age 65±9.3 years). Patients were on statin therapy at least 6 months before admission: atorvastatin (10-40 mg/day), simvastatin (20-40 mg/day), rosuvastatin (10-40 mg/day) and pravastatin (20 mg/day). Subfractional apo B-containing lipoproteins distribution was analyzed by electrophoresis in a 3% polyacrylamide gel. Results. Men achieving target LDL cholesterol level (<2.5 mmol/l) as compared with those with higher LDL cholesterol level alongside with decreased proatherogenic lipids and apolipoproteins, had less atherogenic LDL subfractional profile: lower portion of LDL 2 (7.3±3.4 и 9.9±3.9%, p<0.01), small dense LDL 3 (1.3±1.2 и 2.2±2.2%, р<0.05), LDL 4 (0.2±0.2 и 0.3±0.5%, p<0.05), and concentration of cholesterol in this subfrtactions. These differences were associated with elevated mean size of LDL particles (270.8±3.0 vs 268.8±3.9 A, p<0,01). On the other hand, women, despite achieving target LDL cholesterol level, had elevated apo B level and apo B/AI ratio without any differences in subfractional profile of low densities lipoproteins. Conclusion. In patients with coronary atherosclerosis treated with statins, antiatherogenic shifts in apo B-containing lipoproteins, decrease of cholesterol concentration subfractions coupled by elevation of mean LDL particle size were found only in men who reached target LDL cholesterol level.