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Updated: Jul 2, 2026
Isolation and Analysis of Plasma Lipoproteins by Ultracentrifugation
Published on: January 28, 2021
Fat mass and apolipoprotein E genotype influence serum lipoprotein levels in early adulthood, whereas birth size does
R W J Leunissen1, G F Kerkhof, T Stijnen
1Department of Pediatrics, Erasmus MC/Sophia Children's Hospital, Room number: Sb 2670, Dr. Molewaterplein 60, 3015 GJ Rotterdam, The Netherlands. r.leunissen@erasmusmc.nl
Insights
Childhood fat accumulation significantly impacts adult lipid profiles, not birth size. Parents should be aware of risks associated with excess fat accumulation during childhood for better health outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Metabolic Health
- Pediatric Endocrinology
- Cardiovascular Risk Factors
Background:
- The relationship between birth weight and adult lipid profiles is debated.
- Previous studies suggest a link between unfavorable lipid profiles and low birth weight.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the influence of birth size versus childhood fat accumulation on serum lipid levels in young adulthood.
- To explore the role of ApoE genotype in determining lipid profiles.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of lipid profiles (total cholesterol, triglycerides, LDL, HDL, Lp(a), apoA-1, apoB) in 297 young adults (18-24 years).
- Multiple regression modeling to assess clinical parameters' influence.
- Subgroup analysis comparing individuals born small for gestational age (SGA) with those born appropriate for gestational age (AGA), considering stature and growth patterns.
Main Results:
- Birth size (length SDS, weight SDS) did not significantly predict serum lipid levels.
- Adult fat mass, gender, ApoE genotype, and adult height/weight SDS were significant determinants of lipid levels.
- SGA with short stature showed higher apoB levels compared to controls, with no other significant lipid differences among subgroups.
Conclusions:
- ApoE genotype is a key genetic factor influencing adult lipid levels.
- Childhood fat accumulation, not birth size, significantly shapes serum lipid profiles in young adulthood.
- Public health initiatives should emphasize educating families on the risks of childhood fat accumulation.
Background/Objectives:
An association between an unfavorable lipid profile and low birth weight has been reported, although this association remains controversial. We hypothesized that birth size does not have any influence on serum lipid levels but fat accumulation during childhood has.
Methods:
In the PROgramming factors for GRowth And Metabolism study, a cohort of 297 young adults, aged 18-24 yr, the influence of clinical parameters on total cholesterol, triglycerides, low-density lipoprotein, high-density lipoprotein, lipoprotein a, and apolipoprotein (apo) A-1 and apoB was analyzed with multiple regression modeling. In addition, differences in these lipid levels and ApoE genotype prevalence were analyzed in four subgroups: young adults either born small for gestational age with short stature or with catch-up growth, or born appropriate for gestational age with idiopathic short stature or with normal stature (controls).
Results:
Birth length sd score (SDS) and birth weight SDS were no significant determinants of the serum lipid levels, whereas gender, ApoE genotype, adult height SDS, adult weight SDS, and fat mass were. Comparison of the subgroups showed that small for gestational age with short stature subjects had a significantly higher apoB than controls. There were no other significant differences in lipid levels or ApoE genotype prevalence among the four subgroups.
Conclusions:
ApoE genotype is an important genetic determinant of lipid levels in young adulthood. Furthermore, fat accumulation during childhood significantly determines serum lipid levels, whereas birth size has no significant contribution. For public health practice, this means that parents and their children need to be informed about the risks of fat accumulation during childhood.
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