Low density lipoproteins (LDL) are considered to be the most atherogen
ic of lipoproteins. These LDL can be modified and oxidative modificati
ons are now well known. In addition, other atherogenic modifications o
f LDL exist, such as desialylation. In the present study sialic acid c
ontent was determined in LDL preparations obtained from patients with
coronary artery disease (CAD+) and compared with that of healthy subje
cts and patients without coronary heart disease (CAD-). The sialic aci
d concentration was found to be statistically lower (P < 0.05) in the
LDL of CAD+ patients (11.6 +/- 2.7 mu g/mg of protein) than in the LDL
of controls (16.5 +/- 5.6 mu g/mg of protein) or in the LDL of CAD- p
atients (15.3 +/- 3.8 mu g/mg of protein). In subgroups of CAD+ patien
ts divided according to the severity of the disease, no statistically
significant difference was observed in LDL sialic acid content. This w
ork confirms the presence of desialylated LDL in the sera of patients
with atheroma.