Favorable Lipoprotein Profile Research Articles

Associations of Lifestyle Patterns with Glucose and Lipid Metabolism in Finnish Adults at Increased Risk of Type 2 Diabetes.

Various lifestyle and sociodemographic factors have been associated with risk factors for type 2 diabetes (T2D). However, their combined associations with T2D risk factors have been studied much less. This study investigates cross-sectional associations of lifestyle patterns with T2D risk factors among 2925 adults at increased risk participating in the Stop Diabetes study. Lifestyle patterns are determined using principal component analysis (PCA) with several lifestyle and sociodemographic factors. The associations of lifestyle patterns with measures of glucose and lipid metabolism and serum metabolites analyzed by nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy are studied using linear regression analysis. "Healthy eating" pattern is associated with better glucose and insulin metabolism, more favorable lipoprotein and fatty acid profiles and lower serum concentrations of metabolites related to inflammation, insulin resistance, and T2D. "High socioeconomic status and low physical activity" pattern is associated with increased serum concentrations of branched-chain amino acids, as are "Meat and poultry" and "Sleeping hours" patterns. "Snacks" pattern is associated with lower serum concentrations of ketone bodies. Our results show, in large scale primary care setting, that healthy eating is associated with better glucose and lipid metabolism and reveal novel associations of lifestyle patterns with metabolites related to glucose metabolism.

THU335 Hyperinsulinemia Is Associated With An Atherogenic Lipoprotein Profile In Humans With Selective Insulin Resistance And An Atheroprotective Profile In Humans With Non-selective Insulin Resistance

Abstract Disclosure: D. Walzer: None. M. Lightbourne: None. M. Walter: None. Y. Dai: None. R.D. Shamburek: None. R.J. Brown: None. Insulin resistance (IR), a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease (CVD), leads to hyperglycemia and dyslipidemia. In obesity-associated IR, dyslipidemia attributed to increased stimulation of hepatic lipogenesis by insulin, whereas IR in glucoregulatory pathways leads to hyperglycemia. This dichotomy in insulin signaling pathways is termed selective IR. Lipodystrophy syndromes (LD) are rare conditions of severe, selective IR in which, like obesity, hyperinsulinemia with excess insulin receptor signaling is thought to cause high triglycerides (TG) & low HDL. By contrast, in the rare condition of insulin receptor pathogenic variants (INSR) (nonselective IR) lack of insulin signaling through its receptor despite hyperinsulinemia leads to low TG and high HDL. Rodents with hepatic INSR k/o have an atherogenic lipid profile, but the lipoprotein profile in humans with INSR is unknown. Factors influencing atherogenicity of lipoprotein particles, including cholesteryl ester transfer protein (CETP) activity and adiponectin, have not been explored in these human models of severe selective vs. non-selective IR. We characterized atherogenicity of lipoprotein particles and factors influencing these particles in subjects with LD matched 2:1 with subjects with INSR based on age and sex. All subjects had fasting lipoprotein profiles by NMR spectroscopy, apolipoproteins AI (ApoI) and B (ApoB), total adiponectin by ELISA, and CETP activity by fluorometric assay. Subjects with LD (N=24, 75% female; 8 generalized, 16 partial) had a more atherogenic lipoprotein profile vs INSR (N=12, 50% female; 6 homozygous, 6 heterozygous), with 45-fold higher large TRLP, 20-fold higher medium TRLP, 15-fold higher very small TRLP (representing IDL), 3-fold higher small LDLP, 4-fold lower large HDLP, 1.7—fold higher ApoB, and 1.4—fold lower ApoAI (p <0.05 for all). CETP activity was comparable in INSR and LD. Adiponectin was 5.9- fold lower in LD vs INSR (p <0.0001). Among all subjects, adiponectin was positively associated with HDL-C, large HDLP, HDL size, and ApoA-I (p=0.001), and negatively correlated with TRLP number & size, small LDLP, and very small TRLP (p<0.0001). Selective IR in LD is associated with an atherogenic lipoprotein particle profile. By contrast, non-selective IR in INSR is associated with an atheroprotective profile, which differs from rodent models. These divergent lipid phenotypes are not explained by different CETP activity. Although preclinical studies suggest that adiponectin promotes a favorable lipoprotein profile consistent with our observed associations, a causal link in humans is not supported by Mendelian randomization studies or rare ADIPOQ gene deletions. Overall, these findings suggest a key role of selective insulin resistance in the development of an atherogenic lipid profile. Further studies are needed to see if this profile leads to increased CVD risk. Presentation: Thursday, June 15, 2023

Plasma lipoprotein subclass variation in middle-aged and older adults: Sex-stratified distributions and associations with health status and cardiometabolic risk factors

Circulating lipids and lipoproteins mediate cardiovascular risk, however routine plasma lipid biochemistry provides limited information on pro-atherogenic remnant particles. We analysed plasma lipoprotein subclasses including very low-density and intermediate-density lipoprotein (VLDL and IDL); and assessed their associations with health and cardiometabolic risk. From 1,976 community-dwelling adults aged 45-67 years, 114/1071 women (10.6%) and 153/905 men (16.9%) were categorised as very healthy. Fasting plasma lipoprotein profiles comprising 112 parameters were measured using 1H nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy, and associations with health status and cardiometabolic risk factors examined. HDL cholesterol was higher, and IDL and VLDL cholesterol and triglycerides lower, in very healthy women compared to other women, and women compared to men. IDL and VLDL cholesterol and triglyceride were lower in very healthy men compared to other men. HDL cholesterol and apolipoprotein (apo) A-I were inversely, and IDL and VLDL cholesterol, apoB-100, and apoB-100/apoA-I ratio directly associated with body mass index (BMI) in women and men. In women, LDL, IDL and VLDL cholesterol increased with age. Women with diabetes and cardiovascular disease had higher cholesterol, triglycerides, phospholipids and free cholesterol across IDL and VLDL fractions, with similar trends for men with diabetes. Lipoprotein subclasses and density fractions, and their lipid and apolipoprotein constituents, are differentially distributed by sex, health status and BMI. Very healthy women and men are distinguished by favorable lipoprotein profiles, particularly lower concentrations of VLDL and IDL, providing reference intervals for comparison with general populations and adults with cardiometabolic risk factors.

Association of adolescent lipoprotein subclass profile with carotid intima-media thickness and comparison to adults: Prospective population-based cohort studies

Background and aimsAssessment of comprehensive lipoprotein subclass profiles in adolescents and their relation to vascular disease may enhance our understanding of the development of dyslipidemia in early life and inform early vascular prevention. MethodsNuclear magnetic resonance was used to measure lipoprotein profiles, including lipids (cholesterol, free cholesterol, triglycerides, phospholipids) and apolipoproteins (apoB-100, apoA1, apoA2) of 17 lipoprotein subclasses (from least dense to densest: VLDL-1 to −6, IDL, LDL-1 to −6, HDL-1 to −4) in n = 1776 14- to 19-year olds (56.6% female) and n = 3027 25- to 85-year olds (51.5% female), all community-dwelling. Lipoprotein profiles were related to carotid intima-media thickness (cIMT) as ascertained by sonography. ResultsAdolescents compared to adults had lower triglycerides, total, LDL, and non-HDL cholesterol, and apoB, and higher HDL cholesterol. They showed 26.6–59.8% lower triglyceride content of all lipoprotein subclasses and 21.9–51.4% lower VLDL lipid content. Concentrations of dense LDL-4 to LDL-6 were 36.7–40.2% lower, with also markedly lower levels of LDL-1 to LDL-3, but 24.2% higher HDL-1 ApoA1. In adolescents, only LDL-3 to LDL-5 subclasses were associated with cIMT (range of differences in cIMT for a 1-SD higher concentration, 4.8–5.9 μm). The same associations emerged in adults, with on average 97 ± 42% (mean ± SD) larger effect sizes, in addition to LDL-1 and LDL-6 (range, 6.9–11.3 μm) and HDL-2 to HDL-4, ApoA1, and ApoA2 (range, −7.0 to −17.7 μm). ConclusionsAdolescents showed a markedly different and more favorable lipoprotein profile compared to adults. Dense LDL subclasses were the only subclasses associated with cIMT in adolescents, implicating them as the potential preferred therapeutic target for primary prevention of cardiovascular disease at this age. In adults, associations with cIMT were approximately twice as large as in adolescents, and HDL-related measures were additionally associated with cIMT.

Comparing dietary score associations with lipoprotein particle subclass profiles: A cross-sectional analysis of a middle-to older-aged population

Lipoprotein particle concentrations and size are associated with increased risk for atherosclerosis and premature cardiovascular disease. Studies also suggest that certain dietary behaviours may be cardioprotective. Limited comparative data regarding any dietary score/index-lipoprotein particle subclass associations exist. Thus, our objective was to assess relationships between the Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH), Health Eating Index-2015 (HEI-2015), Mediterranean Diet (MD) and Energy-adjusted Dietary Inflammatory Index (E-DII™) scores and plasma lipids and lipoprotein profiles to test the hypothesis that healthier diet (better quality and more anti-inflammatory) would be associated with a more favourable lipoprotein profile. This was a cross-sectional study of 1862 men and women aged 46-73 years, randomly selected from a large primary care centre in Ireland. DASH, HEI-2015, MD and E-DII scores were derived from food frequency questionnaires. Lipoprotein subclass particle concentrations and size were determined using nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. Correlation and multivariate-adjusted linear regression analyses with correction for multiple testing were performed to examine dietary score relationships with lipoprotein particle subclasses. In fully adjusted models, higher diet quality or a more anti-inflammatory diet was associated with less large and medium very low-density lipoprotein (VLDL) (DASH and HEI-2015), intermediate-density lipoprotein (IDL) (DASH, MD and E-DII) and small high-density lipoprotein (HDL) (DASH, HEI-2015 and E-DII) particles. After accounting for multiple testing, relationships with large VLDL (DASH: β=-0.102, p=.037), IDL (DASH: β=-0.089, p=.037) and small HDL (DASH: β=-0.551, p=.014 and E-DII: β=0.483, p=.019) concentrations persisted. These findings provide evidence that better diet quality, determined by the DASH score, may be more closely associated with a more favourable lipoprotein particle subclass profile in middle-to older-aged adults than the HEI-2015, MD and E-DII scores. A less pro-atherogenic lipoprotein status may be a potential mechanism underlying the cardioprotective effects of higher dietary quality.

Abstract 14477: Adolescent Lipoprotein Subclass Profile: Reference Ranges, Comparison to Adult, and Association With Carotid Intima-media Thickness

Introduction: Atherosclerosis begins in early life. Assessment of comprehensive lipoprotein subclass profiles in adolescents and their relation to atherosclerosis may enhance our understanding of the development of dyslipidemia in early life and inform early vascular prevention Hypothesis: Lipoprotein subclass profiles in adolescents are distinct from those in adults and associate with carotid intima-media thickness (cIMT). Methods: Content of lipids (cholesterol, free cholesterol, triglycerides, phospholipids) and apolipoproteins (apoB-100, apoA1, apoA2) of 17 lipoprotein subclasses (from least dense to densest: VLDL1-6, IDL, LDL1-6, HDL1-4) was measured in plasma of n=1776 14- to 19-year olds (56.6% female) and of n=3217 adults (51.5% female) by nuclear magnetic resonance. cIMT was ascertained by sonography in adolescents. Results: Adolescents compared to adults featured lower triglycerides, total, LDL, and non-HDL cholesterol, and apoB, and higher HDL cholesterol. They showed 27.2 to 60.5% lower triglyceride content of all lipoprotein subclasses and 21.7 to 50.0% lower VLDL lipid content. Concentrations of LDL-4 and LDL-5 were 40.7 to 47.3% lower, with markedly lower levels also of LDL-6 and LDL-3, but 24.3% higher HDL-1 ApoA1. In adolescents, LDL-3, LDL-4, and LDL-5 subclasses were associated with cIMT (difference in cIMT for a 1-SD higher concentration, 4.76 to 5.93μm), whereas no significant association with cIMT was observed for VLDL or HDL. Conclusions: Adolescents showed a markedly different and more favorable lipoprotein profile compared to adults. Dense LDL subclasses were the only subclasses associated with cIMT, implicating them as the potential preferred therapeutic target for primary prevention of cardiovascular disease in adolescents.

Associations of physical activity and sedentary time with lipoprotein subclasses in Norwegian schoolchildren: The Active Smarter Kids (ASK) study

Background and aimsPhysical activity is favourably associated with certain markers of lipid metabolism. The relationship of physical activity with lipoprotein particle profiles in children is not known. Here we examine cross-sectional associations between objectively measured physical activity and sedentary time with serum markers of lipoprotein metabolism. MethodsOur cohort included 880 children (49.0% girls, mean age 10.2 years). Physical activity intensity and time spent sedentary were measured objectively using accelerometers. 30 measures of lipoprotein metabolism were quantified using nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. Multiple linear regression models adjusted for age, sex, sexual maturity and socioeconomic status were used to determine associations of physical activity and sedentary time with lipoprotein measures. Additional models were adjusted for adiposity. Isotemporal substitution models quantified theoretical associations of replacing 30 min of sedentary time with 30 min of moderate- to vigorous-intensity physical activity (MVPA). ResultsTime spent in MVPA was associated with a favourable lipoprotein profile independent of sedentary time. There were inverse associations with a number of lipoprotein measures, including most apolipoprotein B-containing lipoprotein subclasses and triglyceride measures, the ratio of total to high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, and non-HDL cholesterol concentration. There were positive associations with larger HDL subclasses, HDL cholesterol concentration and particle size. Reallocating 30 min of sedentary time to MVPA had broadly similar associations. Sedentary time was only partly and weakly associated with an unfavourable lipoprotein profile. ConclusionsPhysical activity of at least moderate-intensity is associated with a favourable lipoprotein profile in schoolchildren, independent of time spent sedentary, adiposity and other confounders.

Cannabis effects on lipoproteins.

The endocannabinoid system affects several physiological functions. A family of endocannabinoid receptors is susceptible to cannabis constituents. Cannabis is widely used in our society and following its recent legalization in Canada, we focus on how exposure to cannabis and pharmacologic cannabinoid receptor type 1 (CB1) inhibition affect lipoprotein levels. Several groups have reported that exposure to cannabis does not increase weight despite the marked increase in caloric intake. In observational studies, the effect of smoked cannabis exposure on plasma lipids is variable. Some studies in specific patient populations with longer exposure to cannabis seemed to identify slightly more favorable lipoprotein profiles in the exposed group. Several larger controlled clinical trials using orally administered rimonabant, a CB1 receptor antagonist, have consistently shown relative improvements in weight and plasma levels of triglyceride and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol among patients receiving the treatment. The widely variable findings on the relationship of cannabis in various forms with plasma lipids preclude any definitive conclusions. Cannabis has complex effects on the cardiovascular system and its effects on lipid profile must be considered in this overall context. Further properly controlled research is required to better understand this topic.

Cardiovascular Effects and Benefits of Exercise.

It is widely accepted that regular physical activity is beneficial for cardiovascular health. Frequent exercise is robustly associated with a decrease in cardiovascular mortality as well as the risk of developing cardiovascular disease. Physically active individuals have lower blood pressure, higher insulin sensitivity, and a more favorable plasma lipoprotein profile. Animal models of exercise show that repeated physical activity suppresses atherogenesis and increases the availability of vasodilatory mediators such as nitric oxide. Exercise has also been found to have beneficial effects on the heart. Acutely, exercise increases cardiac output and blood pressure, but individuals adapted to exercise show lower resting heart rate and cardiac hypertrophy. Both cardiac and vascular changes have been linked to a variety of changes in tissue metabolism and signaling, although our understanding of the contribution of the underlying mechanisms remains incomplete. Even though moderate levels of exercise have been found to be consistently associated with a reduction in cardiovascular disease risk, there is evidence to suggest that continuously high levels of exercise (e.g., marathon running) could have detrimental effects on cardiovascular health. Nevertheless, a specific dose response relationship between the extent and duration of exercise and the reduction in cardiovascular disease risk and mortality remains unclear. Further studies are needed to identify the mechanisms that impart cardiovascular benefits of exercise in order to develop more effective exercise regimens, test the interaction of exercise with diet, and develop pharmacological interventions for those unwilling or unable to exercise.

Metabolomic profiling implicates adiponectin as mediator of a favorable lipoprotein profile associated with NT-proBNP

BackgroundThe N-terminal prohormone of brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) is an important biomarker for the diagnosis of heart failure. Apart from this and only recently recognized, NT-proBNP levels associate with higher HDL- and lower LDL-cholesterol levels comprising a favorable blood lipid profile. To further examine this observation, the lipoprotein profile in relation to NT-proBNP was examined in-depth by proton nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (1H-NMR). We complemented this investigation with a state-of-the-art untargeted metabolomics approach.MethodsLipoprotein particles were determined by 1H-NMR spectroscopy in 872 subjects without self-reported diabetes from the population-based Study of Health in Pomerania (SHIP)-TREND with available NT-proBNP measurements. Comprehensive metabolomics data for plasma and urine samples were obtained. Linear regression models were performed to assess the associations between serum concentrations of NT-proBNP and the metabolites/lipoprotein particles measured in plasma or urine.ResultsAn increase in serum NT-proBNP was associated with a benefical lipoprotein profile, including a decrease in VLDL, IDL and LDL-particles along with an increase in large HDL particles. These findings were replicated in a second independent cohort. Serum concentrations of NT-proBNP showed significant inverse associations with seven plasma metabolites while associations with 39 urinary metabolites, mostly comprising amino acids and related intermediates, were identified. Mediation analyses revealed adiponection as mediating factor for the associations observed with lipoproteins particles.ConclusionsMost of the metabolic changes associated with NT-proBNP implicate significant influence on the blood lipid profile besides vasodilatory and the diuretic action of BNP signaling. Our data suggest that the more favorable lipoprotein profile as associated with elevated NT-proBNP concentrations in mainly cardiac healthy individuals might relate to adiponectin signaling indicating even indirect cardio-protective effects for NT-proBNP.

The Metabolic Syndrome and Its Components in African-American Women: Emerging Trends and Implications.

The Metabolic Syndrome (MetS) is recognized as a predictor of cardiovascular outcomes and type 2 diabetes (T2DM). The MetS is a constellation of clinical and metabolic risk factors that include abdominal obesity, dyslipidemia, glucose intolerance, and hypertension. There are ethnic and racial differences in the prevalence of MetS and its components. In general, African-Americans have lower prevalence of MetS when compared to whites, but suffer disproportionately from higher cardiovascular mortality and T2DM. Specifically, African-American women (AAW) have higher rates of T2DM and cardiovascular mortality despite a more favorable lipid and lipoprotein profile. This is paradoxical. However, there is a general upward trend in the prevalence of MetS in the US. The reasons are debatable, but could be multifactorial, including genetics and environmental factors. Thus, there is a need to understand the increasing trend in the MetS, its components, and the associated outcomes for AAW. Therefore, the purpose of this mini review is to (1) understand the increasing prevalence of MetS and its components in AAW and (2) provide suggestions for future prevention of cardiovascular disease and T2DM in AAW.

Plasma lipoproteins in posttraumatic stress disorder patients compared to healthy controls and their associations with the HPA- and HPT-axis

BackgroundBased on studies among primarily male veteran subjects, lipoproteins are thought to mediate the association of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) with cardiovascular disease (CVD). However, recent civilian studies with female samples or samples with both sexes represented provide little evidence for this association. Gender, diet and sex-specific effects of stress hormones on lipoproteins may explain this dissociation in findings. MethodCross-sectional analysis of plasma concentrations of total cholesterol (TC), low-density lipoprotein (LDL), high-density lipoprotein (HDL) and triglycerides (TG) in a male and female sample of 49 PTSD-patients due to civilian trauma and 45 healthy controls. Second, we related these lipoproteins to several stress hormones (prolactin, cortisol, DHEA(S), TSH, T4). ResultsPatients showed lower LDL (p=0.033) and LDL:HDL ratio (p=0.038) compared to controls, also when adjusting for diet. Sex influenced the effect of having PTSD on LDL with only male patients having lower values than male controls (p=0.012). All stress hormones were associated with several lipoproteins, mostly in a sex-dependent manner. For LDL, a significant sex-by-cortisol effect (p<0.001), having PTSD-by-sex-by-DHEA (p<0.001), having PTSD-by-sex-by-DHEAS (p=0.016) and having PTSD-by-sex-by-prolactin (p=0.003) was found. ConclusionIn this male and female civilian sample we found a somewhat more favorable lipoprotein profile in PTSD-patients in contrast to evidence from strictly male veteran samples exhibiting a less favorable lipoprotein profile. Male patients did not exhibit a worse lipoprotein profile than female patients and therefore gender cannot explain the contradiction in evidence. Additionally, we found that PTSD-related stress hormones are associated with lipoproteins levels in patients in a sex-specific manner. Specific configurations of stress hormones may contribute to CVD in male patients or protect in female patients. Further research on these configurations could indicate which PTSD-patients are especially at risk for CVD and which are not. This could guide future precision medicine efforts to prevent and treat the still growing burden of CVD morbidity and mortality in PTSD.

High-Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol Subfractions in Collegiate Female Volleyball Players

Much of the published data on the lipid profiles of athletes are based on studies of endurance athletes. Data on female volleyball players are rare. The purpose of this study was thus to examine serum high-density-lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) subfractions in collegiate female volleyball players. Twenty-six female collegiate volleyball players were compared with 26 age- and body mass index-matched control subjects. Dietary information was obtained with a food frequency questionnaire. The subjects were all nonsmokers and were not taking any drug known to affect lipid and lipoprotein metabolism. The volleyball players showed significantly higher mean HDL2-C than the control group. There were no significant differences in HDL-C and HDL3-C between the 2 groups. The results indicate that favorable lipid and lipoprotein profiles could be obtained by vigorous volleyball training and significantly higher HDL2-C could be obtained without observing significant differences in HDL-C and HDL3-C.

Sex differences in lipid profiles and treatment utilization among young adults with acute myocardial infarction: Results from the VIRGO study

Young women with acute myocardial infarction (AMI) have higher mortality risk than similarly aged men. An adverse lipid profile is an important risk factor for cardiovascular outcomes after AMI, but little is known about whether young women with AMI have a higher-risk lipid pattern than men. We characterized sex differences in lipid profiles and treatment utilization among young adults with AMI. A total of 2,219 adults with AMI (1,494 women) aged 18-55 years were enrolled from 103 hospitals in the United States (2008-2012). Serum lipids and lipoprotein subclasses were measured 1 month after discharge. More than 90% of adults were discharged on a statin, but less than half received a high-intensity dose and 12% stopped taking treatments by 1 month. For both men and women, the median of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol was reduced to <100 mg/dL 1 month after discharge for AMI, but high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol remained <40 mg/dL. Multivariate regression analyses showed that young women had favorable lipoprotein profiles compared with men: women had higher HDL cholesterol and HDL large particle, but lower total cholesterol-to-HDL cholesterol ratio and LDL small particle. Young women with AMI had slightly favorable lipid and lipoprotein profiles compared with men, suggesting that difference in lipid and lipoprotein may not be a major contributor to sex differences in outcomes after AMI. In both men and women, statin remained inadequately used, and low HDL cholesterol level was a major lipid abnormality.

Ethnic differences in serum lipids and lipoproteins in overweight/obese African-American and white American women with pre-diabetes: significance of NMR-derived lipoprotein particle concentrations and sizes

ObjectiveAfrican-American women (AAW) suffer disproportionately from higher rates of cardiovascular disease (CVD) mortality compared with white American women (WAW), despite favorable lipid and lipoprotein profile. Therefore, we used nuclear magnetic...

Dietary Medium Chain Fatty Acid Supplementation Leads to Reduced VLDL Lipolysis and Uptake Rates in Comparison to Linoleic Acid Supplementation

Dietary medium chain fatty acids (MCFA) and linoleic acid follow different metabolic routes, and linoleic acid activates PPAR receptors. Both these mechanisms may modify lipoprotein and fatty acid metabolism after dietary intervention. Our objective was to investigate how dietary MCFA and linoleic acid supplementation and body fat distribution affect the fasting lipoprotein subclass profile, lipoprotein kinetics, and postprandial fatty acid kinetics. In a randomized double blind cross-over trial, 12 male subjects (age 51±7 years; BMI 28.5±0.8 kg/m2), were divided into 2 groups according to waist-hip ratio. They were supplemented with 60 grams/day MCFA (mainly C8:0, C10:0) or linoleic acid for three weeks, with a wash-out period of six weeks in between. Lipoprotein subclasses were measured using HPLC. Lipoprotein and fatty acid metabolism were studied using a combination of several stable isotope tracers. Lipoprotein and tracer data were analyzed using computational modeling. Lipoprotein subclass concentrations in the VLDL and LDL range were significantly higher after MCFA than after linoleic acid intervention. In addition, LDL subclass concentrations were higher in lower body obese individuals. Differences in VLDL metabolism were found to occur in lipoprotein lipolysis and uptake, not production; MCFAs were elongated intensively, in contrast to linoleic acid. Dietary MCFA supplementation led to a less favorable lipoprotein profile than linoleic acid supplementation. These differences were not due to elevated VLDL production, but rather to lower lipolysis and uptake rates.

High-Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol Subfractions and Lecithin: Cholesterol Acyltransferase Activity in Collegiate Soccer Players

Many of the published data on the lipid profile of athletes is based on studies of endurance athletes. The data on soccer players are rare. The purpose of this study was to examine serum high-density lipoprotein cholesterol subfractions and lecithin:cholesterol acyltransferase activity in collegiate soccer players. 31 well-trained male collegiate soccer players were divided into 2 groups: 16 defenders and 15 offenders. They were compared with 16 sedentary controls. Dietary information was obtained with a food frequency questionnaire. The subjects were all non-smokers and were not taking any drug known to affect the lipid and lipoprotein metabolism. The offenders had significantly higher high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein2 cholesterol, and apolipoprotein A-I than the defenders and controls, whereas the defenders had the significantly higher high-density lipoprotein2 cholesterol than the controls. Both groups of athletes had significantly higher lecithin:cholesterol acyltransferase activity than the controls. The results indicate that favorable lipid and lipoprotein profile could be obtained by vigorous soccer training.

Commentary: Shaper and Jones, 'Serum-cholesterol, diet and coronary heart-disease in Africans and Asians in Uganda': 50-year-old findings only need interpretational fine tuning to come up to speed!

Commentary: Shaper and Jones, 'Serum-cholesterol, diet and coronary heart-disease in Africans and Asians in Uganda': 50-year-old findings only need interpretational fine tuning to come up to speed!

Cholestasis, Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia, and Lipid Profile in Preterm Infants Receiving MCT/ω‐3–PUFA–Containing or Soybean‐Based Lipid Emulsions

This study aimed to compare the effect of 2 lipid emulsions (LEs), a medium-chain triglyceride (MCT)/ω-3-polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA)-containing LE and a soybean-based LE, on the incidence of neonatal cholestasis, bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD), and lipid profile of preterm infants. Patients and In this prospective, observational study, 2 groups of preterm neonates, the very low birth weight (VLBW) (n = 129) and the low birth weight (LBW) groups (n = 153), which received parenteral LEs for at least 7 days, were included. Infants received either MCT/ω-3-PUFA-containing LE (SMOFlipid, subgroup I) or soybean-based LE (Intralipid, subgroup II) according to the attending neonatologist's preference and availability. Full biochemical assessment was performed on days of life 15, 30, and 45 and on discharge. Of the VLBW infants, 7.4% and 13.3% of infants in subgroups I and II, respectively, developed cholestasis (P = .39; odds ratio [OR], 0.52; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.15-1.76). The duration of LE administration was independently associated with cholestasis (P < .001; OR, 0.925; 95% CI, 0.888-0.963). The maximum amounts of lipids administered ranged between 1.6 and 3.6 g/kg/d in both VLBW subgroups. The VLBW subgroup I had lower incidence of BPD, lower alkaline phosphatase and phosphate, higher high-density lipoprotein (HDL), and lower cholesterol-to-HDL ratio on discharge than the VLBW subgroup II. The type of LE was independently associated with BPD and alkaline phosphatase. In the LBW group, the type of LE was not associated with clinical and biochemical parameters. In VLBW infants, the MCT/ω-3-PUFA-containing LE administration is associated with decreased BPD and more favorable lipoprotein profile. Although a trend toward a lower incidence of cholestasis was observed, a preventive effect of MCT/ω-3-PUFA-containing LE on parenteral nutrition-associated cholestasis is not supported.

Lipoprotein subfractions and dietary intake of n-3 fatty acid: the Genetics of Coronary Artery Disease in Alaska Natives study

Few studies have compared lipoprotein composition with dietary intake. The lipoprotein subfraction profile was evaluated in relation to diet in Alaska Eskimos at high cardiovascular risk but with a low frequency of hyperlipidemia and high intake of n-3 (omega-3) fatty acids. A population-based sample (n = 1214) from the Norton Sound Region of Alaska underwent a physical examination and blood sampling. Analyses were from 977 individuals who did not have diabetes or use lipid-lowering medications and had complete dietary information (food-frequency questionnaire) and a lipoprotein subfraction profile (nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy). After adjustment for age, BMI, total energy intake, and percentage of energy from fat, the intake of n-3 fatty acids was significantly associated with fewer large VLDLs (P = 0.022 in women, P = 0.064 in men), a smaller VLDL size (P = 0.018 and P = 0.036), more large HDLs (P = 0.179 and P = 0.021), and a larger HDL size (P = 0.004 and P = 0.001). After adjustment for carbohydrate and sugar intakes, large VLDLs (P = 0.042 and 0.018) and VLDL size (P = 0.011 and 0.025) remained negatively associated with n-3 fatty acid intake in women and men, and large HDLs (P = 0.067 and 0.005) and HDL size (P = 0.001 in both) remained positively associated with n-3 fatty acid intake in women and men. In addition, large LDLs (P = 0.040 and P = 0.025) were positively associated in both sexes, and LDL size (P = 0.006) showed a positive association in women. There were no significant relations with total LDL particles in either model. Dietary n-3 fatty acids, independent of the reciprocal changes in carbohydrate and sugar intakes, are associated with an overall favorable lipoprotein profile in terms of cardiovascular risk. Because there are no relations with total LDL particles, the benefit may be related to cardiovascular processes other than atherosclerosis.