Characterization of low-density lipoprotein subclasses in children

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Cardiology
• Lipid Metabolism
• Atherosclerosis Research

Background:

• Low-density lipoprotein (LDL) particle heterogeneity in size, density, and composition is recognized.
• This heterogeneity is believed to be influenced by genetic factors.
• Small dense LDL (SDLDL) is identified as a significant atherogenic lipoprotein phenotype.

Purpose of the Study:

• To analyze plasma LDL subclasses in a pediatric cohort.
• To determine the prevalence of small dense LDL (SDLDL) in children.
• To investigate the association between SDLDL phenotype and cardiovascular risk factors in children.

Main Methods:

• Gradient gel electrophoresis was employed to analyze plasma LDL subclasses.
• The study included 248 children aged 7 to 13 years.
• Cardiovascular risk factors including body fatness, plasma triglycerides, apolipoprotein B, HDL cholesterol, and apo A-I were assessed.

Main Results:

• The prevalence of the small dense LDL (SDLDL) subclass was found to be 9.3% in the studied children.
• Children with the SDLDL phenotype displayed increased body fatness.
• These children also exhibited dyslipidemia, characterized by elevated plasma triglyceride and apolipoprotein B, and decreased high-density lipoprotein cholesterol and apo A-I concentrations.

Conclusions:

• The prevalence of small dense LDL (SDLDL) in children is lower than in adults.
• The SDLDL phenotype in children is associated with increased body fatness and dyslipidemia.
• Environmental factors, in addition to genetic predispositions, may play a role in the expression of the SDLDL subclass in children.