INFLUENCE OF FERRITIN LEVELS ON LDL CHOLESTEROL CONCENTRATION IN WOMEN

Various researchers have observed a higher risk for atherosclerosis wh en body iron concentration is elevated. The exact mechanism, however, is not known, but probably occurs catalytically via iron. Whether or n ot body iron concentration has an effect on plasma lipoproteins is als o unknown. The aim of this study was to investigate whether or not fer ritin concentration within the normal range correlate with LDL-cholest erol (an atherosclerotic risk factor), HDL-cholesterol, apoB, triglyce ride and the mobility of LDL particles. Blood was drawn from healthy f emale volunteers and the above parameters measured. LDL-cholesterol, a poB and the electrophoretic mobility of LDL particles were elevated wi th increasing ferritin concentrations. Both modified or oxidized LDL a nd elevated LDL concentration are regarded as risks for atherosclerosi s and ischemic heart disease, suggesting that higher body iron is impo rtant in this process.