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Low density lipoprotein heterogeneity in spontaneously hypercholesterolemic pigs
S T Cooper1, R J Aiello, W J Checovich
1Department of Biochemistry, University of Wisconsin-Madison 53706.
Molecular and Cellular Biochemistry
|August 18, 1992
Summary
Severe hypercholesterolemia in Lpb 5.1 pigs is linked to direct buoyant LDL production, not VLDL conversion. This finding clarifies the source of increased low-density lipoprotein in these animals.
Area of Science:
- Lipid metabolism research
- Animal models of hypercholesterolemia
- Atherosclerosis research
Background:
- Spontaneously hypercholesterolemic pigs (Lpb5) exhibit varying cholesterol levels.
- Lpb 5.1 pigs show severe hypercholesterolemia with a high buoyant-to-dense LDL ratio (2.2).
- Previous studies indicated a fourteen-fold overproduction of buoyant LDL in Lpb 5.1 pigs.
Purpose of the Study:
- Investigate the source of increased buoyant LDL production in Lpb 5.1 pigs.
- Determine if very low-density lipoprotein (VLDL) conversion contributes to elevated buoyant LDL.
- Characterize the mechanism behind severe hypercholesterolemia in this pig model.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of Lpb 5.1 and Lpb 5.2 pig plasma lipoprotein profiles.
- Measurement of buoyant-to-dense LDL ratios.
- Very low-density lipoprotein (VLDL) turnover experiments.
Main Results:
- Lpb 5.1 pigs have a significantly higher buoyant-to-dense LDL ratio compared to Lpb 5.2 and control pigs.
- VLDL turnover experiments could not explain the increased buoyant LDL production in Lpb 5.1 pigs.
- The source of increased buoyant LDL in Lpb 5.1 pigs remains unaccounted for by measurable plasma lipoprotein sources.
Conclusions:
- The increased buoyant LDL in Lpb 5.1 pigs is not due to VLDL conversion.
- A novel mechanism, termed 'direct buoyant LDL production,' is proposed for Lpb 5.1 pigs.
- This finding advances understanding of hypercholesterolemia mechanisms in animal models.