Effect of low-density lipoprotein buoyant density and cholesterol content on the formation of lipoprotein(a) particles

Lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)] is a unique lipoprotein which resembles low-density lipoprotein (LDL) both in lipid composition and the presence of apolipoprotein B-100 (apo B-100). Lp(a) is, however, distinguishable from LDL by the presence of an additional glycoprotein apolipoprotein(a) [apo(a)], which is covalently attached to apo B-100 by a single disulfide bond. It is now generally accepted that Lp(a) assembly is a two-step process in which the initial non covalent interaction between apo(a) and apo B-100 is mediated by the weak lysine binding sites present in kringle IV types 6, 7 and 8 of apo(a). In the present study, we have investigated the effect of LDL heterogeneity on Lp(a) assembly in a group of 111 individuals. The three parameters of LDL composition assessed in this study were the cholesterol content, the apo B content, and the relative flotation rate (a measure of LDL buoyancy and thus size). We found no correlation between the size of LDL particles and the extent of Lp(a) formation; a weak negative correlation was observed between cholesterol content of LDL and Lp(a) formation (P=0.042). This may suggest a role for free (i. e., surface-associated) cholesterol in the ability of LDL to form Lp(a) particles. Received: 1 June 2001 / Accepted: 2 July 2001