Serum lipoproteins in lepromatous leprosy

Serum total cholesterol and the lipoprotein fractions were studied in forty subjects of lepromatous leprosy and age matched controls. The study revealed a significant decrease in serum cholesterol in the disease group as compared to control group. The decrease in cholesterol was 28.76% An alteration in serum lipoprotein fractions was observed in disease group. The beta-lipoprotein fraction showed a significant decrease along with a rise in alpha-lipoprotein fraction. A positive correlation was also observed between total cholesterol and beta-lipoproteins. The significance of the above findings are discussed.