[Some parameters of lipid metabolism in aging (author's transl)]

In 150 humans of different ages and sexes total-, LDL- and HDL-cholesterol was tested. The HDL-cholesterol content was 1,41 +/- 0,33 mmol/l with women and 1,18 +/- 0,31 mmol/l with men. Older women show a reduction of the HDL-cholesterol level. There is a significant increase of LDL-cholesterol in both sexes with increasing age. Part of the above experimental group were tested for serum lipoproteins using a four-layer polyacrylamid gel separating the alpha-lipoproteins in a 7% gel into 12 or less fractions. The densitograms of the electrophoreses show differences both in age and sex. Men show a strong decrease of the front fractions, especially in fraction 7, with beginning maturity. There is a slight increase in the older and aged man. Women, however, show no significant changes during their lifespan. The prozentual content of alpha-lipoproteins correlates closely with the behaviour of alpha-lipoprotein-subunits with increasing age. Only with women there is a good correlation between HDL-cholesterol and the prozentual content of alpha-lipoproteins. With 111 subjects of different age groups and sexes the postheparin lipase (pHL) was determined. Both sexes show a strong decrease of enzyme activity with beginning maturity, followed by a different behaviour. There is no permanently negative correlation with the triglyceride level. The results were discussed with respect to arteriosclerotic changes in the blood vessels.