Low-density lipoprotein (LDL) particle size in healthy prepubertal children: the STRIP study

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).

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

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.

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.

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.