Computerized measurement of LDL particle size in human serum - Reproducibility studies and evaluation of LDL particle size in relation to metabolic variables and the occurrence of atherosclerosis

Objectives: The main aims of the present research project were to develop a nd evaluate a new software program for evaluation of LDL particle size appl ied to the gradient gel electrophoresis methodology without the use of prev ious ultracentrifugation, and to investigate the relationships among LDL pa rticle size, metabolic variables and atherosclerosis, as measured by ultras ound, in subjects with different degrees of insulin resistance. Methods: LD L particle size was determined by polyacrylamide gradient gel electrophores is. Results: Coefficient of variation for between-assay experiments was 0.3 % (r=0.99) for measurement of LDL peak particle size. LDL peak particle siz e was negatively correlated to serum triglycerides, apolipoprotein B, fasti ng insulin, BMI and diastolic blood pressure and positively correlated to H DL. Furthermore, subjects with moderate to large plaques in the carotid art ery had smaller LDL particles compared to subjects without plaques. Conclus ions: This project resulted in a highly reproducible, computerized method f or the analysis of LDL particle size. The data suggest that it is possible to assess LDL particle size in serum without the use of previous ultra-cent rifugation. LDL particle size was associated with metabolic variables and t he occurrence of moderate to large plaques in the carotid artery.