Abstract

ApoAI-containing lipoproteins, which have been reported in relation with the development of ischemic diseases, have never been studied in obese subjects that have any other factor affecting the lipoproteins metabolism. Control and obese women groups were constituted on the basis of the body weight: less than 110% and more than 125% of the ideal body weight, respectively. Different lipid and lipoprotein parameters, including the two apoAI-containing lipoproteins species, were quantified. Compared to control group, obese group exhibited a higher levels of plasma triglycerides, high density lipoprotein-triglycerides (HDL-TG) and lipoproteins with both apo AI and apo AII (LpAI:AII) but a lower values of plasma-apoAI percentage associated with LpAI particles (P < 0.05). The other studied parameters, including the distribution of apoAI and LpAI between HDL and non-HDL fractions, were similar in the two subject groups. In our obese subjects, plasma TG appear to be the more determinant for the atherosclerosis risk as suggested by their strong positive and negative correlation with LpAI:AII (P < 0.001) and with LpAI/LpAI:AII, respectively. The profile of apoAI-containing lipoproteins appears to be more sensitive to obesity effect than traditional lipid and lipoprotein parameters. The nature of its alteration could explain, at least in part, the association of obesity with high atherosclerosis risk.   

Key words: Obesity, atherosclerosis, apoAI-containing lipoproteins.

Abbreviation

Abbreviations: HDL, High density lipoprotein; TG, triglycerides; CVD,cardiovascular disease; LDL, low density lipoprotein; Chol, cholesterol; PL,phospholipids; NEFA, non-esterified fatty acid; LCAT, lecithin:cholesterol acyltransferase; CETP, cholesteryl ester transfer protein; CHD, coronary heart disease.