Gender differences in LDL and HDL subfractions in atherogenic and nonatherogenic phenotypes

Abstract

Objectives: The aim of our study was to examine the role of low density lipoprotein (LDL)-subfractions in individuals with the atherogenic and non-atherogenic phenotype and the gender differences in lipoprotein subfractions including small dense LDL (sdLDL) and small high density lipoprotein (sHDL) subfractions representing the most atherogenic lipoprotein subfractions.

Design & methods: 35 persons in the atherogenic group (AG) (with sdLDL_3-7 subfractions ≥6 mg/dl) and 104 individuals in the non-atherogenic group (NAG) (sdLDL_3-7 subfractions <6 mg/dl) were included in our study. To analyze plasma lipoprotein subfractions, a polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis-the Lipoprint system was used.

Results: Males compared to females in the AG had significantly higher levels of atherogenic lipoprotein subfractions such as HDL_8, HDL₉ and HDL₁₀. All participants in AG had significantly lower levels of intermediate density lipoprotein IDL-A than those in NAG but significantly higher levels of IDL-B and IDL-C. Males in the AG compared to NAG had significantly lower levels of LDL₁ and higher levels of LDL₂ and LDL_3-7 subfractions. In the NAG LDL₂ positively correlated with sHDL subfractions while in the AG with the large HDL subfraction.

Conclusion: Results of our study demonstrate more atherogenic profile in males compared to females and a double role of LDL2 subfraction in the atherogenic process depending on the phenotype (atherogenic/non-atherogenic) of individuals.

Keywords: Atherogenesis; HDL-subfractions; LDL-subfractions.