Plasma lipoproteins and platelet aggregation during alimentary lipemia. Decreased atherogenic pattern in the elderly

Ten healthy women in their tenth decade of life were compared with ten healthy women in their fourth decade of life regarding the response of plasma lipoproteins and platelet aggregation to one meal rich in saturated fats. In the elderly group, plasma cholesterol decreased in the postprandial state three hours after the meal in comparison to no significant changes in the younger group. This resulted from reduction in plasma lipoprotein cholesterol levels, except for the high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, which was enhanced. A similar pattern was found for plasma lipoprotein levels. The increase in plasma triglyceride concentration in the elderly women was less than in the younger women, as fewer changes in their plasma triglyceride-rich lipoproteins (chylomicrons and very-low-density lipoprotein) were observed. Platelet aggregation in response to collagen was reduced in the elderly women, whereas in the younger group, increased platelet aggregation in the postprandial state was found. Our study thus demonstrates a clear advantage of the elderly women in comparison to the younger ones in reducing atherosclerosis and thrombotic risks. The elderly group responded to the saturated fat-rich meal by minimal plasma triglyceride elevation, an increase in HDL cholesterol concentration, and reduced platelet aggregation.