Gender differences in LDL and HDL subfractions in atherogenic and nonatherogenic phenotypes

The aim of our study was to examine the role of low density lipoprotein (LDL)-subfractions in individuals with the atherogenic and non-atherogenic phenotype and the gender differences in lipoprotein subfractions including small dense LDL (sdLDL) and small high density lipoprotein (sHDL) subfractions representing the most atherogenic lipoprotein subfractions.

35 persons in the atherogenic group (AG) (with sdLDL_3-7 subfractions ≥6 mg/dl) and 104 individuals in the non-atherogenic group (NAG) (sdLDL_3-7 subfractions <6 mg/dl) were included in our study. To analyze plasma lipoprotein subfractions, a polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis-the Lipoprint system was used.

Males compared to females in the AG had significantly higher levels of atherogenic lipoprotein subfractions such as HDL_8, HDL₉ and HDL₁₀. All participants in AG had significantly lower levels of intermediate density lipoprotein IDL-A than those in NAG but significantly higher levels of IDL-B and IDL-C. Males in the AG compared to NAG had significantly lower levels of LDL₁ and higher levels of LDL₂ and LDL_3-7 subfractions. In the NAG LDL₂ positively correlated with sHDL subfractions while in the AG with the large HDL subfraction.

Results of our study demonstrate more atherogenic profile in males compared to females and a double role of LDL2 subfraction in the atherogenic process depending on the phenotype (atherogenic/non-atherogenic) of individuals.