Intermediate density lipoprotein-apolipoprotein B turnover in rabbits fed semipurified diets containing casein or soy protein

The aim of this study was to investigate the underlying causes of elevated levels of intermediate density lipoprotein (IDL) in rabbits fed casein compared to soy protein in a cholesterol-free, semipurified diet. Kinetic studies were carried out in which homologous, radiolabelled IDL was injected into casein- and soy protein-fed animals after a period of 7 months on diet. Total plasma cholesterol and IDL cholesterol and protein were significantly higher in animals fed casein compared to those fed soy protein. The fractional catabolic rate of IDL-apolipoprotein B was significantly lower in casein-fed animals but the difference in mean values for the production rate did not reach statistical significance. The effect of feeding casein on IDL can be attributed to its reduced efficiency of removal from the plasma.