Objectives: To examine the alterations in LDL and HDL subclass distribution in ESRD patients compared with a control group and to investigate the relationship of LDL particle size to the other plasma lipoproteins levels.
Design and methods: Plasma lipids, LDL and HDL subclasses were determined in 63 hemodialysis patients (HD), 42 predialysis patients and 345 control subjects. Lipoprotein subclasses were separated by polyacrylamide 3 to 31% gradient gel electrophoresis.
Results: In predialysis group, 88% subjects had small LDL particles compared with 58.5% of hemodialysis patients and 16.5% of control subjects. Mean LDL size particle diameter was significantly smaller in HD and predialysis patients in comparison with controls (p < 0,0005, p < 0,0001; respectively). Significant inverse correlation between LDL particle size and triglyceride level was observed for both patient groups. Decreased levels of the largest HDL2b subclass was found in both predialysis (16.5%) and in HD patients (30%) as compared with controls (50%), and increased levels of the small HDL3a subclass was found only in predialysis group (21%) in comparison with controls (4.5%).
Conclusions: Alterations in LDL and HDL subclass distribution toward smaller particles is the main lipid abnormality associated with atherogensis found in ESRD. ESRD is associated with reduced levels of HDL2b subclass and increased levels of HDL3c subclass, which occurs in coronary artery disease (CAD) as well.