Development of approximate formula for LDL-chol, LDL-apo B and LDL-chol/LDL-apo B as indices of hyperapobetalipoproteinemia and small dense LDL Original Research Article

Estimation of LDL-chol and LDL-apo B is useful for the diagnosis of hyperapobetalipoproteinemia (normal LDL-chol with increased LDL-apo B), which is one of the most commonly occurring lipoprotein disorders associated with atherosclerotic cardiovascular diseases. The LDL-chol/LDL-apo B ratio reflects the level of small dense LDL, which is an important risk factor for IHD, CVD and ASO. In order to estimate LDL-apo B and LDL-chol/LDL-apo B ratio from blood chol, TG, HDL-chol and apo B values, we developed a formula for LDL-chol {0.94Chol−0.94HDL-chol−0.19TG}, LDL-apo B {apo B−0.09Chol+0.09HDL-chol−0.08TG}, and LDL-chol/LDL-apo B [{0.94Chol−0.94HDL-chol−0.19TG}/{apo B−0.09Chol+0.09HDL-chol−0.08TG}] using ultracentrifugal data from 2179 subjects. These were calculated by the least squares method on the assumption that a certain compositional relationship exists between Chol, TG and apo B in VLDL, IDL and LDL. Friedewaldʹs formula for LDL-chol (Chol−HDL-chol−0.2TG) includes IDL-chol, but the present new formula theoretically excludes IDL-chol. It suggests a better estimation for the correct LDL-chol. Estimated LDL-apo B is useful for the diagnosis of hyperapobetalipoproteinemia and detection of small dense LDL. Without performing ultracentrifuge, additional information is obtained for the quantitative and qualitative alteration of LDL, such as small dense LDL. The above formulae and a new classification of lipoproteinemia including apo B were applied to the analyses of lipoprotein profiles of subjects with cardiovascular diseases, which were compared with those in the general population. Hyperapobetalipoproteinemia with high TG was observed 2–3 times more frequently in subjects with CAD, MI and ASO than in the Suita population. Lower ratios of LDL-chol/LDL-apo B, reflecting preponderance of small dense LDL, were observed in the above three groups. Type IIb and combined low HDL-chol were also frequent phenotypes in CAD, A-Th and ASO. The present formulae are useful for the detailed analyses of lipoprotein disorders in both qualitative as well as quantitative aspects.