Triglyceride-rich lipoproteins are associated with hypertension in preeclampsia.
Disorders of the lipoprotein metabolism are a major cause of endothelial dysfunction that may result in hypertension and proteinuria, clinical hallmarks of preeclampsia (PE). Lipoproteins and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) subfractions were investigated in 15 women with severe PE and compared with 23 women with a normal course of pregnancy. Compared with normal pregnancy, in PE apolipoprotein (apo)B in very low-density lipoprotein was increased by 76% (P = 0.008), and the triglyceride content of intermediate dense lipoproteins (IDL) was increased by 51% (P < 0.001); cholesterol and apoB in LDL were decreased by 26% (P = 0.005) and 23% (P = 0.016), respectively. Although not significant, the LDL profile was dominated by the most buoyant LDL-1. ApoB in the most dense LDL (dLDL), namely LDL-5 and LDL-6, was significantly decreased by 49% (P < 0.001) and 55% (P < 0.001), respectively. Diastolic blood pressure was positively correlated with the triglyceride content of IDL (r = 6.31; P < 0.001 and r = 0.352; P = 0.033 by partial correlation controlling for the presence or absence of PE) and negatively correlated with the concentration of apoB in dLDL (r = -0.500; P = 0.002). In addition, IDL triglycerides correlated negatively with infant birth weight percentile (r = -0.373; P = 0.027) and positively with proteinuria (r = 0.430; P = 0.014). Low birth weight was associated with high IDL triglycerides and low rather than high concentrations of dLDL. Triglyceride-rich remnants are known to cause endothelial dysfunction. Because the triglyceride content of IDL was positively correlated with elevated blood pressure and proteinuria, triglyceride-rich remnant lipoproteins might contribute to the pathophysiology of PE.
Winkler
Karl
K
Department of Clinical Chemistry, University of Freiburg, Germany. kwinkler@ukl.uni-freiburg.de
Wetzka
Birgit
B
Hoffmann
Michael M
MM
Friedrich
Isolde
I
Kinner
Martina
M
Baumstark
Manfred W
MW
Zahradnik
Hans-Peter
HP
Wieland
Heinrich
H
März
Winfried
W
D000328:Adult; D001055:Apolipoproteins B / Q000097:blood; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D006973:Hypertension / Q000209:etiology*; D008074:Lipoproteins / Q000097:blood*; D011225:Pre-Eclampsia / Q000097:blood*; D011247:Pregnancy; D011249:Pregnancy Complications, Cardiovascular / Q000209:etiology*; D014280:Triglycerides / Q000097:blood*
D001055:Apolipoproteins B; D008074:Lipoproteins; D014280:Triglycerides