Decreased high-density lipoprotein (HDL) particle size, prebeta-, and large HDL subspecies concentration in Finnish low-HDL families: relationship with intima-media thickness.
OBJECTIVE
High-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol correlates inversely with the risk of coronary heart disease (CHD). The precise antiatherogenic mechanisms of HDL subspecies are not thoroughly elucidated. We studied the relationship between carotid intima-media thickness (IMT) and HDL subspecies distribution in Finnish families with low HDL cholesterol and premature CHD.


RESULTS
Altogether, 148 members of Finnish low-HDL families and 133 healthy control subjects participated in our study. HDL particle size was significantly smaller in affected family members (HDL < or =10th Finnish age-sex specific percentile) compared with unaffected family members and control subjects (9.1+/-0.04 nm versus 9.5+/-0.05 nm, P<0.0001, versus 9.8+/-0.03 nm, P<0.0001 [mean+/-SE]). Large HDL2b particles as well as prebeta-HDL concentration were significantly decreased among the affected family members. Mean IMT was significantly higher in the affected family members than in the control subjects (0.85+/-0.01 mm versus 0.79+/-0.01 mm; P<0.0001). Age, HDL2b, systolic blood pressure, and prebeta-HDL were significant independent determinants of mean IMT.


CONCLUSIONS
The decreased levels of HDL2b and prebeta-HDL reflect the potentially efflux-deficient HDL subspecies profile in the affected low-HDL family members. Decreased HDL particle size caused by the decrease of plasma concentration of HDL2b and decreased prebeta-HDL levels correlate with increased IMT.
Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, Helsinki University Central Hospital and Biomedicum, Finland.
Hiroshi
H
Watanabe
Sanni
S
Söderlund
Aino
A
Soro-Paavonen
Anne
A
Hiukka
Eeva
E
Leinonen
Corradina
C
Alagona
Riitta
R
Salonen
Tomi-Pekka
TP
Tuomainen
Christian
C
Ehnholm
Matti
M
Jauhiainen
Marja-Riitta
MR
Taskinen
D000328:Adult; D000367:Age Factors; D015992:Body Mass Index; D002339:Carotid Arteries / Q000378:metabolism / Q000473:pathology*; D008076:Cholesterol, HDL / Q000737:chemistry / Q000172:deficiency*; D003327:Coronary Disease / Q000209:etiology / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism; D005260:Female; D005387:Finland; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010316:Particle Size; D012044:Regression Analysis; D012307:Risk Factors; D012737:Sex Factors
D008076:Cholesterol, HDL