Low-density lipoprotein (LDL) particle size in healthy prepubertal children: the STRIP study.
BACKGROUND
Small, dense low-density lipoprotein (LDL) particles (diameter < 255 Angstrom) are highly atherogenic, and in adults they are associated with an elevated risk of coronary heart disease (CHD).


OBJECTIVE
To examine possible contributors to LDL particle size distribution in healthy prepubertal children.


METHODS
We determined LDL particle size in 176 7-y-old children by non-denaturing polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. Children were divided into two groups in two ways: by using the median of their average LDL particle diameter (261.2 Angstrom) or by using the LDL peak particle diameter (255 Angstrom) as the cut-off point.


RESULTS
Children with smaller LDL particles did not significantly differ from children with larger LDL particles with respect to anthropometric variables, serum triglyceride concentration (in all children < 1.7 mmol/L), apoE phenotype, amount and quality of dietary fat, or child's family history of CHD. Furthermore, LDL particle size did not correlate with any of the anthropometric, lipid or nutrient variables. Children with average LDL particle size below the median had higher serum insulin and lower high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol and apoA-1 concentrations than those with LDL particle size above the median.


CONCLUSIONS
Our data suggest that many factors related to the development of small, dense LDL particles might have their major impact after the onset of puberty.
Kaitosaari
Tuuli
T
Research Centre of Applied and Preventive Cardiovascular Medicine, University of Turku, Turku, Finland. tuuli.kaitosaari@utu.fi
Rönnemaa
Tapani
T
Viikari
Jorma
J
Leino
Aila
A
Jokinen
Eero
E
Simell
Olli
O
D000886:Anthropometry; D002648:Child; D003327:Coronary Disease / Q000209:etiology* / Q000517:prevention & control; D015930:Diet Records; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008077:Lipoproteins, LDL / Q000097:blood / Q000145:classification*; D008297:Male; D010316:Particle Size
D008077:Lipoproteins, LDL