Type V hyperlipoproteinaemia: Metabolic changes in hyperlipaemic and previously hyperlipaemic (“susceptible”) male patients

Abstract

The metabolic changes following an intravenous glucose loading were investigated in patients suffering from or with a history of type V hyperlipaemia, and compared with control groups with the same k value, degree of obesity, age and sex. In hyperlipaemic patients increased serum insulin concentration was observed before and during the glucose tolerance test. The plasma levels of free fatty acids (FFA) were also increased, but the percentage change in FFA did not differ from those found in the control group. All had diabetic k values. The patients with a history of hyperlipaemia (“susceptible”) had normal glucose tolerance. Fasting insulin levels and the insulin response during the test did not differ from the control group. The FFA concentrations in plasma were increased and the fall in FFA during the glucose loading was less pronounced and of shorter duration than observed in the control group. The serum triglyceride and cholesterol did not change during the test. It is suggested that the metabolic changes indicate a primary genetic abnormality in the fatty and muscular tissue, which is not primarily caused by, but often associated with, changes of the carbohydrate metabolism.