Hyperapobetalipoproteinemia with compositional abnormality of LDL and IDL,a characteristic lipoprotein alteration in essential hypertension

The number and composition of apoprotein B (apoB)-containing lipoproteins t hat are very low density lipoprotein (VLDL), intermediate-density lipoprote in (IDL), and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) have been analyzed in subjects with essential hypertension who have no obesity and glucose intolerance. Twenty-three essential hypertensive subjects without diabetes mellitus and obesity were recruited. VLDL, IDL, LDL, and high-density lipoprotein (HDL) were separated by ultracentrifugation in the 23 hypertensive and 17 healthy subjects (control group). ApoB was determined by highly sensitive latex ag glutination method in each lipoprotein fraction. There were no significant differences in age and body mass index between th e hypertension and control groups. In hypertension, cholesterol levels sign ificantly increased in plasma (13%, P < .05) and in LDL (20%, P < .05), but decreased in HDL (-14%, P < .05). Triglyceride significantly increased in plasma (66%, P < .05) and in VLDL (105%, P < .05). ApoB also significantly increased in plasma and all lipoprotein fractions except HDL. (plasma, 35%; VLDL, 94%; IDL, 82%; LDL, 42%; P < .05). With respect to lipoprotein compo sition, the ratio of cholesterol to apoB significantly decreased in IDL (P < .05) and LDL (P < .05). In essential hypertension, the number of apoB-containing lipoproteins (VLDL , IDL, LDL) all increased. A low ratio of cholesterol to apoB without chang es in the ratio of triglyceride to apoB was noted in IDL and LDL, indicatin g the presence of small dense lipoprotein particles. Characteristic disorde rs of pure essential hypertension are characterized by hyperapobetalipoprot einemia and small dense LDL. Am J Hypertens 2000; 13:617-624 (C) 2000 Ameri can Journal of Hypertension, Ltd.