Determination of the distribution of LDL subgroups in patients with hyperlipidemia

Low-density lipoproteins (LDL) have been shown to be a major risk factor for coronary artery disease. Multiple distinct subspecies have been identified among LDL particles on the basis of differences in size, density, and chemical composition. Subjects with pattern B tend to have higher TG and lower levels of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-K). Small dense LDL (sdLDL) is associated with increased risk of coronary disease.In this study, we have researched the distribution of LDL subgroups in subjects with hypertriglyceridemia, hypercholesterolemia and combined hyperlipidemia. We used the gradient gel electrophoresis and basic presipitation method with heparin-magnesium reagent to determine the LDL subgroups.After the densitometric analysis of the gels, the particle diameters which are smaller than 25.5 nm are accepted as small dense LDL and, larger than 25.5 nm are accepted as large buoyant LDL (lbLDL). It?s found that there is significantly (P<0.02) an association between the lipid panel and LDL subgroups. The percentage of sdLDL in all hyperlipidemic groups are higher than control groups; and the ratio of sdLDL is mostly found in the patients with hypertrigliseridemia.