Subfraction spectrum of apoB-containing lipoproteins in men and women with coronary atherosclerosis treated by statins

Abstract

Aim. To reveal whether statin therapy affects subfractional distribution of apo B-containing lipoproteins in men and women with documented coronary atherosclerosis. Materials and methods. The total number of 242 patients (men n-177;61± 9.0yrs, and women n - 65; 65.0 ± 9.3yrs,) who had coronary atherosclerosis verified by angiography were included into the study. Total cohort was split into groups: patients who didn’t take statins (ST-) at least 6 months before admission and those who took statins (ST+). LDL subfractional distribution was analysed using Lipoprint System (Quantimetrix, USA). Results. ST-men when compared with ST-women in spite on the same LDL С level (3.3 ±1.0 vs 3.6+1.9 mmol /1), had lower level of HDL C, apo AI, decreased portion of IDL B, IDL A and increased portion of LDL 2, while no differences in LDL 3 and particles size were detected. More pronounced gender differences in lipidprotein parameters and subfractional distribution were found in ST+ patients: men as compared to women had significantly lower level of LDL C, HDL C, apo AI, apo B, increased portion of VLDL (22.2 ± 4.4 vs 20.1 ± 3.8%), LDL 2 (8.8 ± 3.9 vs 6.5 ± 3.2%), small dense LDL 3 (1.8 ± 1.9 vs 1.3 ± 1.9%) and decreased portion of IDL В (7.4 ± 1.5 vs 8.5+ 1.7%), and IDL A (7.8 + 2.1 vs 9.3 + 3.0%). Gender differences in cholesterol concentration in LDL subfractions were found as well. These differences were associated with lower mean LDL particles size (269 + 3.7 vs 271 ±3.9 Â;p<0.01). Conclusion. Gender differences were found in subfractional distribution of apo B-containing lipoproteins as well as in cholesterol concentration in LDL subfractions. Inspite statin therapy subfractional apo B-containing lipoproteins profile in men with coronary atherosclerosis appeared to be more atherogenic than in women with predominance of VLDL, LDL2 and small dense LDL3.