High-density-lipoprotein metabolism during a very-low-calorie diet

We examined the changes in high-density-lipoprotein (HDL) metabolism in eight female obese patients undergoing a very-low-calorie diet (VLCD). In the first half of the study, HDL cholesterol (HDL-C), apolipoprotein A-I (apo A-I), and apo A-II showed a parallel decrease. Although lipoprotein lipase (LPL) and hepatic lipase (HTGL) did not change, lecithin: cholesterol acyltransferase (LCAT) decreased. In the latter half of the protocol, HDL-C and apo A-I increased whereas apo A-II decreased, resulting in increased apo A-I-A-II ratios. There was no change in LPL, HTGL, or LCAT. LCAT and apolipoprotein composition may be important in HDL-C changes after VLCD.