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Updated: Feb 20, 2026
Isolation and Analysis of Plasma Lipoproteins by Ultracentrifugation
Published on: January 28, 2021
Plasma Lipoprotein Particle Subclasses in Preterm Infants
Jennifer A Scoble1, Jennifer T Smilowitz2,3, Nurit Argov-Argaman4
1Department of Pediatrics, UC Davis School of Medicine, Sacramento, California.
Insights
Premature infants often show dyslipidemia, characterized by abnormal lipoprotein profiles. This condition is linked to chronic lung disease and lower intake of specific long-chain fatty acids.
Area of Science:
- Neonatal research
- Lipid metabolism
- Pediatric cardiology
Background:
- Premature infants exhibit unique physiological challenges.
- Lipoprotein profiles in neonates are not well-characterized.
- Understanding neonatal dyslipidemia is crucial for long-term health outcomes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To characterize lipoprotein classes and subclasses in premature infants.
- To investigate associations between lipoprotein profiles and nutritional intake.
- To examine relationships with gestational age and morbidity, specifically chronic lung disease (CLD).
Main Methods:
- Pilot study analyzing plasma lipoprotein particle concentrations in 15 premature infants at birth and 2 weeks.
- Assessment of fatty acid content in breast milk samples.
- Statistical analysis of associations between lipoprotein subclasses, gestational age, milk intake, and CLD.
Main Results:
- At 2 weeks, infants showed higher very-low-density lipoprotein and lower high-density lipoprotein (HDL) concentrations.
- Lower total HDL, large HDL, and medium HDL, with a higher small HDL:total HDL ratio, were associated with CLD.
- Intake of specific long-chain fatty acids (C18, C20) inversely correlated with total low-density lipoprotein (LDL) at 2 weeks.
Conclusions:
- Dyslipidemia is prevalent in extremely premature infants.
- Neonatal dyslipidemia is associated with chronic lung disease.
- Lower intake of specific long-chain fatty acids may contribute to dyslipidemia in this population.
Objective:
A pilot study to determine lipoprotein classes and subclasses in premature infants and examine associations with nutritional intake, gestational age (GA), and morbidity.
Study Design:
Plasma lipoprotein particle concentrations were analyzed in a cohort of 15 premature infants in the first 5 days of life and again at 2 weeks. Breast milk samples were analyzed for fatty acid content. Associations between lipoprotein particle subclasses and GA, breast milk intake, milk fatty acid intake, and chronic lung disease (CLD) were determined.
Results:
At 2 weeks of age, more premature infants had higher concentrations of total very low-density lipoprotein and lower concentrations of total high-density lipoprotein (HDL) and large HDL particles (similar to profiles seen in adults and children with infectious disease, cardiometabolic disease, and diabetes). Lower total HDL, large HDL, and medium HDL and a higher small HDL:total HDL ratio at 2 weeks were each associated with CLD with GA a likely confounder. Intake of human milk C18 and C20 fatty acids was inversely correlated with plasma total LDL concentration at 2 weeks of age.
Conclusion:
Dyslipidemia was common in extremely premature infants and was associated with CLD and with lower intake of specific long chain fatty acids.
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