title: Effects of exercise training on the chemical composition of plasma LDL.
abstract: The purpose of the present study was to determine the effects of exercise training on the chemical composition of plasma low-density lipoprotein (LDL). Thirteen men (mean age +/- SE, 47.2 +/- 1.5 years) were examined before and after 14 weeks of endurance-oriented exercise training (3 to 4 d/wk, 30 to 45 min/d). Although calculated plasma LDL concentrations remained unaltered (3.49 +/- 0.24 versus 3.65 +/- 0.23 mmol/L), changes in the chemical composition of LDL (increased LDL free cholesterol, cholesterol ester, and phospholipid content) were associated with a reduction in adiposity, umbilical girth, and basal plasma insulin and glucose concentration with training intervention. Increases in LDL molecular weight and particle diameter were associated with a reduction in fat mass, plasma triglyceride concentration, and basal plasma glucose concentration with physical activity. The LDL lipid-to-protein ratio also increased (P < .01) with training by 7%, primarily due to an increase in LDL free cholesterol content (P < .01). These findings indicate the formation of LDL particles that are more cholesterol enriched and protein poor with exercise training, which provides additional evidence for the cardioprotective effect of long-term physical activity.
authors.affiliation: Human Performance Laboratory, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC 27858.
authors.forename: J A
authors.initials: JA
authors.lastname: Houmard
authors.forename: N J
authors.initials: NJ
authors.lastname: Bruno
authors.forename: R K
authors.initials: RK
authors.lastname: Bruner
authors.forename: M R
authors.initials: MR
authors.lastname: McCammon
authors.forename: R G
authors.initials: RG
authors.lastname: Israel
authors.forename: H A
authors.initials: HA
authors.lastname: Barakat
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001786:Blood Glucose / Q000032:analysis; D001823:Body Composition; D003327:Coronary Disease / Q000209:etiology; D015444:Exercise; D006801:Humans; D008055:Lipids / Q000097:blood; D008077:Lipoproteins, LDL / Q000032:analysis* / Q000097:blood; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010101:Oxygen Consumption
chemical_list: D001786:Blood Glucose; D008055:Lipids; D008077:Lipoproteins, LDL