[Subfractions of high density lipoproteins in relation to age]

In dependence on age women show both elevated levels of serum triglycerides and changes of lipid composition of HDL. A decrease of HDL- and HDL2-cholesterol levels and an increase of HDL- and HDL2-triglyceride concentrations are seen in the group of older persons. The concentration of HDL3-phospholipids decreases in dependence on aging. The content of triglycerides and the relation triglyceride/cholesterol of the subfraction HDL2, but not of HDL3, show positive correlations with the level of serum triglycerides. These changes are related to an age-dependent decrease of post-heparin lipolytic activity and a remodulation of HDL in dependence on the relation of the concentration of triglyceride rich lipoproteins and HDL.