ENZYMATIC MODIFICATION OF PLASMA LOW-DENSITY LIPOPROTEINS IN RABBITS - A POTENTIAL TREATMENT FOR HYPERCHOLESTEROLEMIA

Phospholipase A2 (EC 3.1.1.4) hydrolyzes certain phospholipids of low density lipoprotein (LDL). Plasma clearance of phospholipase A2-modifi ed human LDL is up to 17 times faster than that of native human LDL in hypercholesterolemic rabbits. Modification of blood lipoproteins of h ypercholesterolemic rabbits was performed by using an extracorporeal c ircuit containing immobilized phospholipase A2. After 90-min treatment s, nearly 30% decreases in plasma cholesterol concentrations were obse rved. Erythrocyte, leukocyte, and platelet counts showed no net change after treatment. This technique does not require any fluid replacemen t or sorbent regeneration and offers a potential approach for lowering serum cholesterol and LDL levels.