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Biomedical subjects

N A Le

Publications and source records attributed to N A Le.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

Determinants of fasting plasma triglyceride levels: metabolism of hepatic and intestinal lipoproteins.

The contribution of the kinetics of exogeneous and endogenous lipoproteins in determining the level of triglyceride in fasting plasma was assessed in a group of 19 normolipidaemic and hypertriglyceridaemic subjects. From data derived during a 9-h infusion of [15N]-glycine, we have assessed very low density lipoprotein apolipoprotein B production, and from data analysed by kinetic modelling obtained following ingestion of retinol and triolein, we have assessed chylomicron and chylomicron remnant clearance in a group of 19 normolipidaemic and hypertriglyceridaemic subjects. A strong positive correlation was observed between the fasting plasma triglyceride level and the reciprocal of the apolipoprotein B fractional synthetic rate (r = 0.83, P less than 0.01). A positive correlation was also found with the rate of clearance of chylomicron remnants (Sf 20-400; r = 0.87, P less than 0.01) and of chylomicrons (Sf greater than 400; r = 0.69, P less than 0.01). No correlation was found between the fasting plasma triglyceride level and either of the plasma post-heparin lipolytic activities. Multivariate analysis revealed that 95% of the variance in triglyceride levels could be explained by the apolipoprotein B fractional synthetic rate and the chylomicron remnant clearance rate. The strong correlation between chylomicron remnant clearance, a measure of exogenous lipid metabolism, and fasting (hence, endogenous) plasma triglyceride levels suggests that remnants of chylomicrons and very low density lipoproteins share some common components of the removal process.

Adult

Risk factors for coronary heart disease in diabetic and nondiabetic Native Americans. The Strong Heart Study.

The Strong Heart Study is a study of cardiovascular disease and its risk factors among diabetic and nondiabetic Native Americans. The study includes 12 tribes in Arizona, Oklahoma, and North and South Dakota. Phase I, initiated in October 1988, included a mortality survey to determine CVD death rates in individuals 35-74 yr old between 1984 and 1988, and a medical record review to determine rates of myocardial infarction and stroke for individuals ages 45-74 during the same time. In addition, a physical examination was performed on persons 45-74 yr old to measure the prevalence of cardiovascular and peripheral vascular diseases and known and suspected risk factors. In Phase II, CVD mortality and morbidity rates will be determined in the examined cohort by surveillance. CVD risk factors, changes in risk factors over time, and the relationship between risk factors and CVD incidence will be assessed longitudinally. This study provides data on the relative importance of cardiovascular risk factors in nondiabetic and diabetic Native Americans and will provide insight into possible variations in the quantitative or qualitative importance of CVD risk factors among diverse population groups.

Adult

Protocol for the study of the metabolism of retinyl esters in plasma lipoproteins during postprandial lipemia.

An efficient protocol is described for the study of the kinetics of retinyl esters in whole plasma and several lipoprotein fractions following the consumption of an oral fat load containing vitamin A (retinol). To allow for a more complete characterization of the kinetics of retinyl esters in different lipoprotein fractions, a simplified two-step ultracentrifugation procedure is reported for the efficient and reproducible isolation of triglyceride-rich chylomicrons from nonfasting subjects, VLDL-sized lipoprotein particles, and the triglyceride-poor lipoprotein fraction. The present method for the determination of retinyl esters is based on the direct application of the lipid fraction onto a normal phase HPLC column without requiring the lipid extract to be desiccated and resolubilized. All of the commonly occurring esters of retinol elute as a single peak with a retention time of 1.6-1.8 min followed by retinyl acetate (serving as the internal standard) and retinol with retention times of 2-2.5 min and 5-5.5 min, respectively. With this system, a new sample can be processed every 10 min and a complete set of 60 samples from a typical oral fat load can analyzed in one working day with minimal technical interaction. By normalizing to the area under the internal standard to correct for variability in the injected volume, the coefficient of variability for the concentration retinyl esters within a single run is less than 5% and less than 10% between runs.

Chemical Fractionation

Familial combined hyperlipidaemia: use of stable isotopes to demonstrate overproduction of very low-density lipoprotein apolipoprotein B by the liver.

We have assessed very low-density lipoprotein apolipoprotein B production, using [15N]glycine as an endogenous marker in a 9-hour primed constant infusion protocol, in four adult male subjects with familial combined hyperlipidaemia and in four normolipidaemic adult male controls. The mean very low-density lipoprotein apolipoprotein B absolute synthetic rate was significantly greater in the familial combined hyperlipidaemic subjects than in control subjects (26.31 +/- 8.37 vs 9.36 +/- 4.07 mg/kg per 24 h, p less than 0.05). These results confirm findings using exogenous radioisotope labelling techniques that very low-density lipoprotein apolipoprotein B production is significantly increased in most patients with familial combined hyperlipidaemia. A modified 9-hour protocol can be safely done repeatedly and in children and pregnant women.

Adult

Effect of acute intravenous alcohol on plasma lipoproteins in man.

The effect of acute administration of ethanol was determined on plasma lipoproteins and post-heparin lipolytic activities in six normal subjects. Ethanol was administered intravenously (IV) in a dose of 0.6 g/kg body weight over 1 hour and blood samples were obtained for 4 hours thereafter. In four subjects, the determinations were repeated after the infusion of an isovolumetric amount of saline. Ethanol resulted in a rapid increase in plasma triglycerides, which persisted throughout the study. Ethanol did not result in changes in high-density lipoprotein (HDL)-cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein (LDL)-cholesterol, or apolipoprotein administration of heparin. The increase in triglycerides without changes in HDL-cholesterol after acute ethanol administration may contribute to an increased severity of cardiovascular disease in binge drinkers.

Adult

Changes in lipoprotein concentrations during the development of noninsulin-dependent diabetes mellitus in obese rhesus monkeys (Macaca mulatta).

Abnormalities in plasma lipoprotein concentrations commonly found in subjects with noninsulin-dependent diabetes may be related to insulin resistance, hyperinsulinemia, hyperglycemia, or other metabolic defects. The middle-aged obese rhesus monkey is an animal model in which these defects can be separated in time during the development of diabetes. It is, therefore, a model system for examining the sequence of metabolic changes which occur before and after the onset of diabetes. This sequence of changes was used in the present study to determine if lipoprotein changes occur in association with the development of diabetes in the rhesus monkey. Increases in plasma triglyceride, very low density lipoprotein (VLDL) triglyceride, and VLDL cholesterol, and decreases in high density lipoprotein cholesterol were observed across previously identified groups ranging from normal to diabetic. Plasma triglycerides increased from 0.54 +/- 0.09 (normal) to 1.27 +/- 0.50, 1.93 +/- 0.79, and 4.28 +/- 2.24 in three intermediate groups with progressive hyperinsulinemia and insulin resistance, to 7.59 +/- 2.73 mmol/L in the diabetic monkeys. Increases in VLDL triglyceride and VLDL cholesterol paralleled the plasma triglyceride increases. High density lipoprotein cholesterol decreased across the groups from 2.33 +/- 0.16 (normal) to 1.72 +/- 0.20, 1.17 +/- 0.13, and 1.09 +/- 0.20 mmol/L in the intermediate groups, and was lowest in the diabetic monkeys, 1.00 +/- 0.21. The obese rhesus monkey can therefore be used to study lipoprotein abnormalities as they occur both before and in noninsulin-dependent diabetes.

Aging

The Strong Heart Study. A study of cardiovascular disease in American Indians: design and methods.

Available data indicate that cardiovascular disease has become the leading cause of death in American Indians. However, limited information is available on cardiovascular disease incidence, prevalence, and risk factors in this population. Reported cardiovascular disease rates vary greatly among groups in different geographic areas. These rates have been obtained from studies of varying sizes and different methodologies. The Strong Heart Study, which uses standardized methodology, is designed to estimate cardiovascular disease mortality and morbidity rates and the prevalence of known and suspected cardiovascular disease risk factors in American Indians. The study population consists of 12 tribes in three geographic areas: an area near Phoenix, Arizona, the southwestern area of Oklahoma, and the Aberdeen area of North and South Dakota. The study includes three components. The first is a mortality survey to estimate cardiovascular disease mortality rates for 1984-1988 among tribal members aged 35-74 years, and the second is a morbidity survey to estimate incidence of both first and first or recurrent hospitalized myocardial infarction and stroke (cerebrovascular disease) among tribal members aged 45-74 years in 1984-1988, and the third is a clinical examination of 4,500 tribal members aged 45-74 years in order to estimate the prevalence of cardiovascular disease and its associations with risk factors. Family history, diet, alcohol and tobacco consumption, physical activity, degree of acculturation, and socioeconomic status are assessed in personal interviews. The physical examination includes measurements of body fat, body circumferences, and blood pressure, an examination of the heart and lungs, an evaluation of peripheral vascular disease, and a 12-lead electrocardiogram. Laboratory measurements include fasting and postload glucose, insulin, fasting lipids, apoproteins, fibrinogen, and glycated hemoglobin. Also measured are serum and urine creatinine and urinary albumin. DNA from lymphocytes is isolated and stored for future genetic studies.

Adult

Chenodeoxycholic acid normalizes elevated lipoprotein secretion and catabolism in cerebrotendinous xanthomatosis.

Cerebrotendinous xanthomatosis (CTX) is a rare inherited lipid storage disease caused by a defect in bile acid synthesis in which cholesterol and its product cholestanol are deposited in neurological and vascular tissue. Therapy with chenodeoxycholic acid but not with the 7 beta-epimeric ursodeoxycholic acid is usually successful. In an untreated patient, total and low density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol were found to be low (134 +/- 11 and 78 +/- 8 mg/dl, respectively). The production rate (PR) and fractional catabolic rate (FCR) of very low density (VLDL) apolipoprotein B (apoB) were, however, both markedly increased (34.7 mg/kg per day and 13.7 pools/day, respectively vs. 15.1 +/- 5.0 mg/kg per day and 6.2 +/- 3.8 pools/day in controls) while the PR and FCR of LDL apoB were moderately elevated (16.3 mg/kg per day and 0.65 pools/day, respectively vs. 12.9 +/- 1.2 mg/kg per day and 0.52 +/- 0.10 pools/day in controls). After 1 month of 750 mg/day of chenodeoxycholic acid, the FCR and PR of both VLDL and LDL apoB became normal while total plasma cholesterol increased significantly to 145 +/- 18 mg/dl. In a second patient who had been receiving 750 mg/day of chenodeoxycholic acid for 6 months lipoprotein kinetics were normal. These parameters did not change when the subject was switched to 750 mg/day ursodeoxycholic acid. We postulate that cholesterol biosynthesis in CTX is derepressed by a diminished hepatic pool of chenodeoxycholic acid and that the elevated secretion of apoB is a response to the increased rate of cholesterol production.

Adult

Heterogeneity of apolipoprotein A-I turnover in subjects with reduced concentrations of plasma high density lipoprotein cholesterol.

Reduced plasma levels of high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDLC) and apolipoprotein A-I (apoA-I) are both indicators of increased risk of developing coronary artery disease. We have used autologous 125-I-HDL to determine the rates of production (PR) and fractional catabolism (FCR) of apoA-I, the major, structural apolipoprotein in HDL, in three groups of men that included the following: four normal subjects (triglyceride [TG] = 61.0 +/- 5.0 mg/dL, HDLC = 51.5 +/- 7.0 mg/dL), four subjects with both hypertriglyceridemia and reduced HDLC (TG = 360.3 +/- 111.1 mg/dL, HDLC = 23.8 +/- 6.1 mg/dL), and seven subjects with only reduced HDLC (TG = 103.7 +/- 49.5 mg/dL, HDLC = 25.6 +/- 6.1 mg/dL). In the group with both the high TG and low HDL, apoA-I PR was significantly greater than the apoA-I PR in the normal group (14.2 +/- 2.3 v 10.6 +/- 1.9 mg/kg.d, P less than .05). ApoA-I FCR was also significantly greater in the former group v normals (0.38 +/- 0.08 v 0.21 +/- 0.04 d-1, P less than .02). In contrast, the group of subjects with only low HDLC had a significantly lower apoA-I PR v the normal subjects (7.1 +/- 2.0 v 10.6 +/- 1.9 mg/kg.d; P less than .05). ApoA-I FCR was variable in the group with isolated low HDLC, but the mean FCR was not different from normal (0.26 +/- 0.09 v 0.21 +/- 0.04 d-1).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Adult

Abnormalities in lipoprotein metabolism in Gaucher type 1 disease.

We have previously described an association between Gaucher type 1 disease and reduced levels of total, low density lipoprotein (LDL), and high density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol. Plasma concentrations of apolipoprotein B and apolipoprotein AI were reduced in these subjects, while plasma apolipoprotein E (apoE), which can be synthesized and secreted by macrophages, was increased. To study the pathophysiologic basis for these changes in lipoprotein and apolipoprotein levels, we studied very low density lipoprotein (VLDL), LDL, and HDL metabolism in-depth in four subjects with Gaucher disease. Gel filtration of their plasma revealed that apoE was present in essentially a single population of lipoproteins in the large HDL range. In subject no. 4, studied presplenectomy and post-splenectomy, plasma apoE levels fell after surgery in association with a redistribution of apoE among the plasma lipoproteins to a pattern seen in normal subjects. Determination of the rates of secretion and catabolism of VLDL apoB and triglyceride were within normal limits. The reduced plasma levels of LDL and HDL cholesterol, and of both plasma apoB and apoAI, were associated with increased fractional catabolic rates of these apolipoproteins in LDL and HDL. These results indicate that the hypocholesterolemia present in subjects with Gaucher type 1 disease is associated with increased fractional catabolism of LDL and HDL. These findings, together with the evidence for alternations in plasma apoE metabolism in this disorder, suggest a role for the macrophage as the basis for these abnormalities.

Adult

Lipoprotein metabolism during acute inhibition of lipoprotein lipase in the cynomolgus monkey.

To clarify the role of lipoprotein lipase (LPL) in the catabolism of nascent and circulating very low density lipoproteins (VLDL) and in the conversion of VLDL to low density lipoproteins (LDL), studies were performed in which LPL activity was inhibited in the cynomolgus monkey by intravenous infusion of inhibitory polyclonal or monoclonal antibodies. Inhibition of LPL activity resulted in a three- to fivefold increase in plasma triglyceride levels within 3 h. Analytical ultracentrifugation and gradient gel electrophoresis demonstrated an increase predominantly in more buoyant, larger VLDL (Sf 400-60). LDL and high density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol levels fell during this same time period, whereas triglyceride in LDL and HDL increased. Kinetic studies, utilizing radiolabeled human VLDL, demonstrated that LPL inhibition resulted in a marked decrease in the catabolism of large (Sf 400-100) VLDL apolipoprotein B (apoB). The catabolism of more dense VLDL (Sf 60-20) was also inhibited, although to a lesser extent. However, there was a complete block in the conversion of tracer in both Sf 400-100 and 60-20 VLDL apoB into LDL during LPL inhibition. Similarly, endogenous labeling of VLDL using [3H]leucine demonstrated that in the absence of LPL, no radiolabeled apoB appeared in LDL. We conclude that although catabolism of dense VLDL continues in the absence of LPL, this enzyme is required for the generation of LDL.

Animals

Radiotracers for low density lipoprotein biodistribution studies in vivo: technetium-99m low density lipoprotein versus radioiodinated low density lipoprotein preparations.

In an attempt to characterize the in vivo behavior of [99mTc] low density lipoprotein (LDL), biodistribution studies were performed in normal and hypercholesterolemic (HC) rabbits. In normal rabbits, 24 hr after the injection of [99mTc]LDL, 99mTc activity accumulated mainly in adrenal glands, spleen, liver, and kidney. In HC rabbits, however, there was a marked reduction of 99mTc activity in these organs. In both normal and HC rabbits, less than 17% of 99mTc activity appeared in the 24-hr urine following injection of [99mTc]LDL, suggesting that in vivo, [99mTc]LDL is trapped and accumulated within the tissues. Direct comparison of [99mTc]LDL, 125I-native-LDL and [131I]tyramine cellobiose-LDL (the previously validated trapped radioligand) in normal rabbits, demonstrated that the biodistribution of [99mTc]LDL was similar to that of [131I]tyramine cellobiose-LDL. The adrenal glands, liver, and spleen accumulated significantly greater quantities of 99mTc and 131I activity per gram of tissue than 125I (from native-LDL). In addition, imaging studies in monkeys, showed that the hepatic uptake and retention of [99mTc] LDL was similar to that of [131I]tyramine cellobiose LDL. In contrast, radioiodine from native-LDL was deiodinated in liver with subsequent excretion into the intestine. These results suggest that [99mTc]LDL acts as a trapped ligand in vivo and should therefore, be a good tracer for noninvasive quantitative biodistribution studies of LDL.

Animals

Independent regulation of plasma apolipoprotein C-II and C-III concentrations in very low density and high density lipoproteins: implications for the regulation of the catabolism of these lipoproteins.

Apolipoproteins C-II (apoC-II) and C-III (apoC-III) are distributed among all the major lipoprotein classes, particularly very low density (VLDL) and high density lipoproteins (HDL). We have determined concentrations of apoC-II and apoC-III in VLDL and HDL in subjects with a wide range of VLDL triglyceride and HDL cholesterol levels, and correlated these levels with fractional catabolic rates (FCR) of VLDL triglyceride and HDL apolipoprotein A-I (apoA-I). Both apoC-II and apoC-III levels increased in VLDL as VLDL apolipoprotein B (apoB) and triglyceride levels rose. The rate of rise of VLDL apoC-III, however, was approximately 3 times greater than that of apoC-II, and positive correlations were present between the ratio of VLDL apoC-III/apoC-II and both VLDL apoB (r = 0.59; P less than 0.01) and VLDL triglyceride (r = 0.70; P less than 0.005) levels. Univariate analysis demonstrated that the FCR for VLDL triglyceride was inversely related to the ratio of apoC-III/apoC-II in VLDL (r = -0.58; P less than 0.05), although this relationship was not significant in a multivariate analysis. In HDL, concentrations of apoC-III and apoA-I were correlated (r = 0.73; P less than 0.005) while no correlation was observed between apoC-II and apoA-I levels. Univariate analyses of HDL variables revealed inverse correlations between the concentration of apoC-III and the FCR for apoA-I (r = -0.67; P less than 0.005) and between the ratio of apoC-III/apoA-I and the FCR for apoA-I (r = -0.66; P less than 0.005). Multivariate analysis confirmed the latter relationship.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Adult

Suppression of apolipoprotein B production during treatment of cholesteryl ester storage disease with lovastatin. Implications for regulation of apolipoprotein B synthesis.

Cholesteryl ester storage disease (CESD) is characterized by the deficient activity of lysosomal cholesteryl ester (CE) hydrolase, accumulation of LDL-derived CE in lysosomes, and hyperlipidemia. We studied the kinetics of VLDL and LDL apolipoprotein B (apoB), using 125I-VLDL and 131I-LDL, in a 9-yr-old female with CESD and elevated total cholesterol (TC) (271.0 +/- 4.4 mg/dl), triglyceride (TG) (150.0 +/- 7.8 mg/dl), and LDL cholesterol (184.7 +/- 3.4 mg/dl). These studies demonstrated a markedly elevated production rate (PR) of apoB, primarily in LDL, with normal fractional catabolism of apoB in VLDL and LDL. Urine mevalonate levels were elevated, indicative of increased synthesis of endogenous cholesterol. Treatment with lovastatin, a competitive inhibitor of hydroxymethylglutaryl coenzyme A reductase, resulted in significant reductions in TC (196.8 +/- 7.9 mg/dl), TG (100.8 +/- 20.6 mg/dl), and LDL cholesterol (102.0 +/- 10.9 mg/dl). Therapy reduced VLDL apoB PR (5.2 vs. 12.2 mg/kg per d pretreatment) and LDL apoB PR (12.7 vs. 24.2 mg/kg per d pretreatment). Urine mevalonate levels also decreased during therapy. These results indicate that, in CESD, the inability to release free cholesterol from lysosomal CE resulted in elevated synthesis of endogenous cholesterol and increased production of apoB-containing lipoproteins. Lovastatin reduced both the rate of cholesterol synthesis and the secretion of apoB-containing lipoproteins.

Apolipoproteins B

Kinetics of chylomicron remnant clearance in normal and in hyperlipoproteinemic subjects.

The kinetics of chylomicron metabolism have been studied by measuring retinyl palmitate in chylomicrons and their remnants for 10-12 hr following oral administration of vitamin A and Lipomul in three groups of adult male subjects: A) normal plasma triglyceride levels (n = 7); B) endogenous hypertriglyceridemia (n = 12); C) apolipoprotein E (apoE) phenotype E2/2, with Type 3 hyperlipoproteinemia (n = 4) or normal plasma lipids (n = 1). A multicompartmental model was developed using SAAM 27 to characterize the appearance, intravascular metabolism, and clearance from the plasma of retinyl palmitate-labeled dietary lipoproteins. The half-times for retinyl palmitate clearance from the chylomicron remnant fraction (T1/2 REMNANT) were 14.1 +/- 9.7 min in Group A; they were prolonged in Group B (50.7 +/- 20.8 min) and were extremely prolonged for Type 3 subjects in Group C (611.9 +/- 419.9 min). One subject with the apoE 2/2 phenotype and normal plasma triglycerides had a T1/2 REMNANT of 66.8 min. T1/2 REMNANT was highly correlated with fasting plasma triglycerides in Group A and B (r = 0.77, slope = 0.15), and in Group C (r = 0.97, slope = 0.85). These results support the interpretation that delayed chylomicron remnant clearance in subjects with endogenous hypertriglyceridemia may be largely secondary to overproduction of VLDL particles, whose remnants compete with chylomicron remnants for removal by the liver via apoE receptor-mediated endocytosis. The subjects with apoE 2/2 have an additional defect in the removal of chylomicron remnants presumably due to the structural abnormality in their apoE.

Adult

Evidence for heterogeneity of low-density lipoprotein metabolism in the cynomolgus monkey.

Preliminary studies were performed to establish whether there was kinetic heterogeneity in the metabolism of subclasses of low-density lipoproteins (LDL) in the cynomolgus monkey. Previous studies of the effects of inhibition of hepatic triglyceride lipase in this species had shown an increase in the mass of lighter LDL (Sf greater than 9) and a decrease in the mass of denser LDL. LDL (1.019 less than d less than 1.063) were subdivided into two subfractions LDL1 (1.019 less than d less than 1.035) and LDL2 (1.035 less than d less than 1.063) by ultracentrifugation. The lipoproteins in these two fractions could be shown to have different flotation by analytic and isopycnic ultracentrifugation. When tracer amounts of homologous 125I-labeled very-low-density lipoproteins (VLDL) were injected into chow-fed cynomolgus monkeys, apoB radioactivity appeared in LDL1 prior to its appearance in LDL2. [125I]LDL1 injected into the monkey was removed from the LDL1 density subclass with a half-life of 5.5-10.3 h. Much of the radioactivity injected as LDL1 was converted to denser LDL (LDL2). Labeled LDL2 injected into the monkey was not converted to LDL1. Thus, at least two kinetically distinct subpopulations of LDL circulate in the plasma of this species. The lighter LDL is to a large extent a metabolic precursor of the more dense LDL (LDL2).

Animals

Altered high density lipoprotein metabolism in patients with myeloproliferative disorders and hypocholesterolemia.

Patients with the myeloproliferative disorders (MPD), myeloid metaplasia and polycythemia vera, have significantly reduced concentrations of plasma low density (LDL) and high density (HDL) lipoprotein cholesterol (C). We have previously demonstrated that increased catabolism of LDL was associated with the low LDL-C levels. In the present study we have determined the rates of synthesis and removal of apolipoprotein A-1 (apoA-1) in five subjects with MPD who had markedly reduced HDL-C concentrations (18.2 +/- 4.1 mg/dL). Their results were compared to those obtained in six subjects with hypertriglyceridemia (HTG) with similar levels of HDL-C (19.7 +/- 3.9 mg/dL) and five subjects with normal (N) HDL-C concentrations (49.6 +/- 7.4 mg/dL). The results demonstrated that the fractional catabolic rate (FCR) for apoA-1 was significantly increased in the MPD group v N (0.38 +/- 0.15 v 0.21 +/- 0.03 day-1, P less than 0.05) while the synthetic rates for apoA-1 were similar in the two groups. The FCR for apoA-1 in the HTG group (0.36 +/- 0.07 day-1) was nearly identical to that in the MPD group, in spite of the large differences in their plasma triglyceride concentrations (406.2 +/- 217.9 v 117.0 +/- 29.8 mg/dL, P less than 0.05). Compositional studies indicated that the HTG group had very cholesterol depleted HDL while the HDL particles in the MPD group appeared to have a normal cholesterol content. These studies indicate that subjects with MPD have striking increases in HDL catabolism that can account fully for their markedly reduced levels of HDL cholesterol. The pathophysiologic mechanisms that are the basis of this alteration remain to be determined.

Aged