[Lipids, lipoproteins, apoproteins and physical exercise in young female athletes]

Body composition, lipid, lipoprotein and apoprotein profiles were evaluated in 38 female adolescents, with ages from 11.5 to 15.0 years, and arranged in three groups: controls, swimmers and rhythmic gymnasts. Body composition showed evident differences when comparing gymnasts with controls and swimmers. Lowest levels for NEFA corresponded to gymnasts. HDL-C was higher in sports girls with respect to controls, mainly in gymnasts. Gymnasts appeared to have significantly higher Apo A1 differences when comparing them with controls and swimmers. HDL-C/CT, HDL-C/LDL-C, HDL-C/Apo A1/Apo B ratios demonstrated higher levels in sports girls, and mostly in gymnasts. Most significative correlations were found between body composition and Apo A1 and Apo A1/Apo B in control and swimming groups. Thus, physical activity at early ages has a beneficial effect on HDL-C and Apo A1 concentrations. Differences between sports girls and controls are more significantly revealed by lipid, lipoprotein and apoprotein relating ratios. Rhythmic gymnasts do seem to have a different lipidic pattern when compared to controls and swimmers.