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Lecithin-cholesterol acyltransferase activity in children in the early neonatal period
Insights
Plasma cholesterol esterification increases significantly after birth, with lecithin-cholesterol acyltransferase activity rising by 3 months. Fractional esterification rates in children align with adult levels, despite lower initial molar esterification rates.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Pediatric Medicine
- Lipid Metabolism
Background:
- Plasma cholesterol esterification is crucial for lipid transport and homeostasis.
- Lecithin-cholesterol acyltransferase (LCAT) is the primary enzyme responsible for cholesterol esterification.
- Understanding LCAT activity changes in newborns is vital for assessing early lipid metabolism development.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the developmental changes in plasma cholesterol esterification rate shortly after birth.
- To determine the activity of lecithin-cholesterol acyltransferase (LCAT) in newborns at different ages.
- To compare LCAT activity and esterification rates in infants with adult values.
Main Methods:
- Radioassay method using a "common" substrate was employed.
- Activity of lecithin-cholesterol acyltransferase (EC 2.3.1.43) was measured.
- Molar esterification rate (MER) and fractional esterification rate were calculated in serum samples.
Main Results:
- Molar esterification rate (MER) in umbilical cord serum was approximately half of that in 3-day-old and 3-month-old infants, and adults.
- A positive correlation was observed between MER and plasma unesterified cholesterol concentration.
- Fractional esterification rates in infants were comparable to those in healthy adults.
Conclusions:
- Cholesterol esterification rate significantly increases in the first few days after birth.
- LCAT activity matures rapidly, reaching adult levels within 3 months.
- Infant lipid metabolism, specifically cholesterol esterification, shows efficient development post-birth.
Abstract:
Changes in the rate of plasma cholesterol esterification occurring shortly after birth were followed by determining the activity of lecithin-cholesterol acyltransferase (EC 2.3.1.43) in newborn children, and at the age of 3 days and 3 months. The radioassay method using 'common' substrate was applied. The molar esterification rate (MER) in umbilical cord serum was about half of the values found in the sera of 3-day-old and 3-month-old children, or adult subjects. Because of a positive correlation between MER and the plasma concentration of unesterified cholesterol, the values of fractional esterification rate in children were in good agreement with those characteristic for healthy adults.