Low-density lipoprotein profile changes during the neonatal period.

Area of Science:

• Neonatal physiology
• Lipid metabolism
• Cardiovascular health

Background:

• The neonatal period is characterized by significant physiological adaptations, including changes in lipid profiles.
• Understanding low-density lipoprotein (LDL) dynamics is crucial for assessing long-term cardiovascular health risks.
• Gestational age and feeding practices are known to influence neonatal development and metabolism.

Purpose of the Study:

• To examine the natural evolution of the LDL profile in neonates.
• To determine the influence of gestational age and birth weight on these postnatal LDL changes.

Main Methods:

• Lipid composition, LDL particle size, and apolipoprotein B (apoB) were measured in 63 healthy neonates.
• Measurements were taken at birth, 5 days, and 1 month of age.
• Infants were categorized by feeding type: breastfed, mixed-fed, or formula-fed.

Main Results:

• LDL cholesterol and apoB concentrations increased from birth to 5 days, persisting at 1 month in breastfed/mixed-fed infants but decreasing in formula-fed infants.
• LDL particles were larger and more triglyceride-rich at 5 days compared to birth.
• At 1 month, LDL particles became smaller and more cholesterol-rich than at 5 days.
• Gestational age affected the LDL profile at birth and 5 days; milk type influenced it at 1 month.

Conclusions:

• The number of LDL particles increases significantly in the first 5 days of life.
• Triglyceride content modulates LDL particle composition throughout the neonatal period.
• Postnatal changes in the LDL profile are primarily determined by gestational age and milk intake, with birth weight having less impact.