Plasma LDL subtype distribution in patients with or without coronary stenosis

Aim: Plasma low density lipoprotein (LDL) had 3 subtypes according to its separation by polyacrylamide gradient gel electrophoresis. Of these, the small, dense (Sd) LDL particles have been accepted as an emerging cardiovascular risk factor. This study was conducted to assess the LDL subtypes in a group of patients undergoing coronary angiography.Materials and methods: The study involved 56 patients—36 of whom had at least 1 vessel stenosed (stenosis group)— and 20 patients who had no stenosis (non-stenosis group). LDL subtypes were determined according to their migration pattern after non-denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis. Total cholesterol, LDL and high density lipoprotein (HDL), and triglyceride levels were also evaluated.Results: Sd LDL positivity was slightly increased in the stenosis group, but the difference was not significant. Mean HDL levels were lower in the stenosis group; other lipid parameters were similar between the groups. Patients with Sd LDL positivity had significantly higher levels of triglyceride (P 0.005).Conclusion: In the current study Sd LDL positivity was relatively higher in coronary stenosis patients; however, it is not statistically significant.