Apolipoprotein and lipid composition of plasma lipoproteins in neonates during the first month of life

In this study the lipid and apoprotein profiles were investigated in newborns at 0, 7, and 30 days of life. The plasma lipoproteins were separated both by ultracentrifugation and gel filtration in order to compare the patterns obtained by the two techniques. At birth, the apo E concentration is comparable to that measured in adults, but its distribution among lipoproteins is significantly different as more than 80% of the plasma apo E belongs to high-density lipoproteins (HDL). At 7 and 30 days the plasma apo E concentrations are close to the values at birth, but a significant redistribution occurs from HDL to very low-density lipoproteins. By analogy with apo B, the plasma apo CIII concentration is low at birth and increases between 0 and 7 days by a factor of about two. Plasma triglycerides increase significantly during the first week of life so that the apo CIII increase is most pronounced in very low-density lipoproteins. These lipoproteins therefore become enriched in apo E, apo CIII and triglycerides between 0 and 7 days. At birth, a distinct HDL fraction, enriched in apo E, apo AII and cholesterol (HDLE), could be detected. To compensate for the low LDL levels, this HDLE fraction might function as an additional source for cholesterol delivery to peripheral tissues via the apo (B, E) receptor. At later age, low-density lipoprotein synthesis is enhanced, apo E is transferred to very low-density lipoproteins, and cholesterol delivery via the HDLE becomes less important.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Lipoproteins and lipids in fetal, neonatal and adult rat serum

Levels of the serum lipoproteins (HDL, LDL and VLDL) and lipids in the fetal, neonatal and pregnant rat were measured using electrophoretic, immunological and biochemical methods. The results were compared to those of the adult rat. In the fetal rat at the end of gestation, the lipoprotein pattern was dominated by LDL (beta-lipoprotein). Fetal HDL (alpha-lipoprotein) occurred at a low concentration and showed a lower proportion of cholesterol and a higher proportion of triglycerides than did HDL in the adult rat serum. VLDL (pre-beta-lipoprotein) was present only at very low concentrations. The lipoprotein pattern of suckling neonatal rats showed rapidly increasing levels of VLDL and LDL, and high serum lipid values during the first 2 weeks after birth. The lipoprotein pattern of the adult rat, with the HDL fraction dominating, was completely developed by about 4 weeks after birth. In rats during late pregnancy, very high serum values were found for VLDL and LDL. High levels of triglycerides associated with these fractions were also seen. The serum lipoprotein development of the fetal and neonatal rat is different from that reported for the pig and man. This focuses the interest on the differences in lipid and lipoprotein metabolism between species during ontogenic development.     

High density lipoprotein particle size distribution in cord blood

Cord blood from 73 full term healthy newborns and blood from adults were analysed for the protein content of high density lipoprotein subclasses separated by gradient gel electrophoresis. Cholesterol and triglyceride concentrations of very low (VLDL), low (LDL) and high (HDL) density lipoproteins were also analysed and newborns had lower concentrations of cholesterol and triglycerides in VLDL, LDL and HDL (p less than 0.001) than adults. The HDL3c subclass, comprising the smallest particles of the HDL particle spectrum, was the major component for newborns and the minor one for adults and was the only lipoprotein fraction with a higher concentration in cord than in adult blood. No sex differences were present for any of the lipoprotein levels of the newborns. Serum cholesterol concentrations were positively correlated to HDL2b (r = 0.49, p less than 0.001) and HDL2a levels (0.42, p less than 0.001), correlations confined to the cholesterol contents of HDL (r = 0.72 and r = 0.67 respectively, both p less than 0.001). Serum triglycerides were inversely correlated to HDL2b and HDL2a levels in male newborns only (r = 0.38 and r = 0.34 respectively, both p less than 0.05). Irrespective of sex, gestational age and birthweight the newborns had 2 typical HDL subclass distributions, characterized by high or low levels of HDL2b and HDL2a. The newborns with high HDL2b and HDL2a levels also had low VLDL lipid levels and high HDL cholesterol concentrations.     

High Density Lipoprotein Particle Size Distribution in Cord Blood

ABSTRACT. Cord blood from 73 full term healthy newborns and blood from adults were analysed for the protein content of high density lipoprotein subclasses separated by gradient gel electrophoresis. Cholesterol and triglyceride concentrations of very low (VLDL), low (LDL) and high (HDL) density lipoproteins were also analysed and newborns had lower concentrations of cholesterol and triglycerides in VLDL, LDL and HDL ( p < 0.001) than adults. The HDL_3c subclass, comprising the smallest particles of the HDL particle spectrum, was the major component for newborns and the minor one for adults and was the only lipoprotein fraction with a higher concentration in cord than in adult blood. No sex differences were present for any of the lipoprotein levels of the newborns. Serum cholesterol concentrations were positively correlated to HDL_2b r = 0.49, p < 0.001) and HD_2a levels (0.42, p < 0.001), correlations confined to the cholesterol contents of HDL ( r = 0.72 and r = 0.67 respectively, both p < 0.001). Serum triglycerides were inversely correlated to HD_2b and HD_2a, levels in male newborns only ( r = 0.38 and r = 0.34 respectively, both p < 0.05). Irrespective of sex, gestational age and birthweight the newborns had 2 typical HDL subclass distributions, characterized by high or low levels of HDL_2b and HDL_2a. The newborns with high HDL_2b and HDL_2a levels also had low VLDL lipid levels and high HDL cholesterol concentrations.     

Serum apolipoproteins and lipoprotein (a) during the first week of life

The levels of apolipoproteins, A-I, A-II, B and E, lipoprotein (a) and of total cholesterol and triglycerides were determined in cord serum and in capillary serum at the fifth day of life in a group of 44 term newborns. Additionally, cord serum lipoproteins were estimated. Sera from 26 healthy adults were studied for comparison. The concentrations of lipids and lipoproteins in cord serum were diminished as compared to adult levels. The occurrence of lipoprotein (a) in cord serum in concentrations significantly lower than in adults could be established. Serum apolipoproteins A-I, A-II and B were significantly lower at birth than in the adult, whereas apolipoprotein E levels did not differ from adult concentrations. During the first five days apolipoprotein B levels more than doubled, apolipoprotein A-I increased moderately and apolipoprotein E rose slightly. In contrast, serum lipoprotein (a) and apolipoprotein A-II did not change significantly. Unlike serum cholesterol, the levels of apolipoproteins B and E at day five were significantly correlated to those measured at birth in the same infants. The changes of the apolipoprotein pattern during the first week of life reflect the evolution of the lipid transport system of the newborn and may be related to the increasing utilisation of fat and to hormonal factors.     

EVOLUTION OF LIPOPROTEIN PATTERNS IN NEWBORNS

Abstract. Van Biervliet, J. P., Vercaemst, R., De Keersgieter, W., Vinaimont, N., Caster, H. and Rosseneu, M. (Algemeen Ziekenhuis Sint-Jan, Brugge, Belgium). Evolution of lipoprotein patterns in newborns. Acta Paediatr Scand, 69: 593, 1980. —The plasma levels of total and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol and of the major apolipoproteins (apo B and apo A-I) were studied in 30 newborns, on cord blood and after 7 and 30 days of life. The evolution of these parameters during the first month of life shows that newborns have low LDL cholesterol and apo B levels at birth, which increase drastically during the first week and remain constant between 7 and 30 days. The HDL cholesterol and apo A-I levels are proportionally high at birth and keep increasing slowly up to 30 days. During this period, the cholesterol/apoprotein ratio remains constant in the LDL and HDL class. These data suggest that lipid and apoprotein levels at 7 days are more representative than cord-blood levels and more meaningful for a screening of congenital hypercholesterolemia. The cholesterol/apo B and apo B/apo A-I ratios, which are considered to be better predictive factors for atherosclerosis, should be included as screening parameters.     

SERUM APOLIPOPROTEINS AND LIPOPROTEIN (a) DURING THE FIRST WEEK OF LIFE

ABSTRACT. The levels of apolipoproteins, A-I, A-II, B and E, lipoprotein (a) and of total cholesterol and triglycerides were determined in cord serum and in capillary serum at the fifth day of life in a group of 44 term newborns. Additionally, cord serum lipoproteins were estimated. Sera from 26 healthy adults were studied for comparison. The concentrations of lipids and lipoproteins in cord serum were diminished as compared to adult levels. The occurrence of lipoprotein (a) in cord serum in concentrations significantly lower than in adults could be established. Serum apolipoproteins A-I, A-II and B were significantly lower at birth than in the adult, whereas apolipoprotein E levels did not differ from adult concentrations. During the first five days apolipoprotein B levels more than doubled, apolipoprotein A-I increased moderately and apolipoprotein E rose slightly. In contrast, serum lipoprotein (a) and apolipoprotein A-II did not change signiflcantly. Unlike serum cholesterol, the levels of apolipoproteins B and E at day five were significantly correlated to those measured at birth in the same infants. The changes of the apolipoprotein pattern during the first week of life reflect the evolution of the lipid transport system of the newborn and may be related to the increasing utilisation of fat and to hormonal factors.     

Concentration of Lipid Peroxide in Serum Lipoproteins of Insulin-Dependent Diabetic Children

Lipids, apolipoproteins and lipid peroxide were measured in the sera of 29 children with insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus. Ten non-diabetic children served as controls. High-density lipoprotein (HDL) was separated by heparin-MnCl₂ precipitation. Lipid peroxides in HDL and non-HDL fractions were estimated by fluorimetric measurement of thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances. The patients were normolipidemic, and their HDL-cholesterol was increased. Apo A₁ level in the patients was smilar to that in the controls, while levels of apo A₂ and apo B were decreased in the patients. Concentrations of lipid peroxides in the whole serum and non-HDL were unaltered, while that in the HDL was higher in the patients than in the controls. Hemoglobin A_Ic in the patients correlated with the triglyceride and urinary excretion rate of N-acetylglucosaminidase (NAG). The NAG correlated with the triglycerides. The triglycerides correlated with the atherogenic index, apo B and total cholesterol. The lipid peroxides in the non HDL correlated with the triglyceride, atherogenic index, and NAG. That in the HDL correlated with the HDL-cholesterol, apo A₁ and endogenous creatinine clearance, and inversely with the atherogenic index and apo B. Lipid peroxides in HDL and non-HDL appeared to play different physiological roles from each other, and they have provided evidence suggesting that diabetic microvascular injury is mediated by reactive oxygen species.     

Apolipoprotein A-I-containing lipoproteins in human umbilical cord blood. Relation to proapolipoprotein A-I and lecithin:cholesterol acyltransferase

Lipids, apolipoproteins, lipoproteins, as well as lipoproteins containing both apo A-I and apo A-II (Lp A-I:A-II) or apo A-I but no apo A-II (Lp A-I), proapolipoprotein (proapo) A-I and the activity of lecithin:cholesterol acyltransferase (LCAT), were investigated in umbilical cord sera of 67 term human neonates (30 females and 37 males). Lp A-I and Lp A-I:A-II were present in umbilical cord sera with levels of 0.26 +/- 0.1 and 0.33 +/- 0.15 g/l, respectively. Furthermore, the absolute amount of proapo A-I was lower in cord blood than in adult plasma, but in view of the lower apo A-I levels in umbilical cord sera it comprised 10.48 +/- 3.86% of total apo A-I and was thus significantly higher than in adult plasma (7.1 +/- 0.9%). Proapo A-I was highly correlated with HDL cholesterol and apo A-I. Total serum LCAT activity was about 50% of adult plasma and was highly correlated with Lp A-I, but not with Lp A-I:A-II. We conclude that human umbilical cord serum contains both Lp A-I and Lp A-I:A-II particles and that the LCAT activity is predominantly related with the Lp A-I subfraction. The higher percentage in umbilical cord sera of proapo A-I may indicate a higher turnover of apo A-I or a lower activity of the proapo A-I cleaving enzyme which is still not identified.     

The effects of gemfibrozil on hyperlipidemia in children with persistent nephrotic syndrome

Persistent nephrotic syndrome is frequently accompanied by severe hyperlipidemia, and this may pose a substantial risk for cardiovascular disease. Lipid-lowering drugs are prescribed by many nephrologists for adult patients but rarely for nephrotic children. The present investigation was designed to evaluate the safety and efficacy of gemfibrozil in nephrotic children. Eight girls and four boys aged from 5 to 17 years were enrolled in this study. They were all steroid and immunosuppressive resistant patients with nephrotic range proteinuria. Placebo was administered to five patients and gemfibrozil was administered to seven patients for four months. Blood samples were taken for the determination of cholesterol, triglyceride, low-density lipoprotein (LDL), high-density lipoprotein (HDL), BUN, serum creatinine (Scr), ALT, AST, CPK, apolipoprotein A (apo A), apoliporotein B (apo B), and serum albumin levels during the initial and subsequent examinations. At the end of the fourth month, gemfibrozil reduced total cholesterol by 34%, LDL by 30%, apo B by 21% and triglycerides by 53% (p < 0.05). HDL cholesterol and apo A levels were not significantly altered. Renal function and urine protein excretion were not affected by gemfibrozil. In this study gemfibrozil therapy had no side effects and had favorable effects on the lipoprotein profile of nephrotic patients.     

Lipid parameters in childhood cirrhosis and chronic liver disease

BACKGROUND: Alterations in lipid metabolism are well defined in liver disease. As there has not been an ample amount of work published regarding this topic in children, especially about apolipoprotein A-I (apo A-I) and apolipoprotein B (apo B), theoretical knowledge depends on adult studies. In this study, we investigated serum lipid parameters of children with chronic liver disease and cirrhosis. METHODS: Serum triglyceride, cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein (LDL), high-density lipoprotein (HDL), plasma apo A-I and apo B levels of 82 children with chronic liver disease, 41 of whom had cirrhosis as well, were investigated. Twenty healthy children were selected as controls. RESULTS: While mean serum triglyceride and cholesterol levels were not different in chronic hepatitis, cirrhosis and healthy children, mean apo B level of cirrhotic group was higher than that of the control group (P < 0.05). Mean LDL and HDL values of children with chronic hepatitis were lower and mean apo B value was higher than those of the control group (P < 0.05, P < 0.05 and P < 0.001, respectively). Apolipoprotein A-I level was lower in cholestatic cirrhotic children than non-cholestatic children (P < 0.05). No statistical difference was detected in lipid parameters of children with or without malnutrition (P > 0.05). The mean HDL value of Child-Pugh B group was significantly lower when compared to Child-Pugh A group (P < 0.05). The mean apo A-I value of Child-Pugh A group was higher than those of Child-Pugh B and C groups (P < 0.05 and P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Consequently, we found that among lipid parameters apo A-I was the most affected parameter in liver injury. Whether apo A-I level can be used as a prognostic criterion in childhood cirrhosis may require further study.     

Growth hormone deficiency, low levels of adiponectin, and unfavorable plasma lipid and lipoproteins

OBJECTIVE: To examine the impact of adolescent growth hormone deficiency (GHD) on circulating adiponectin levels and the relation between adiponectin, fasting insulin, plasma lipid, and lipoprotein levels. STUDY DESIGN: Twelve children with GHD on GH treatment with a chronological age (CA) of 14.4 +/- 2.0 years and 12 untreated adolescents with GHD with a CA of 14.9 +/- 2.3 years were studied. Adiponectin concentrations were measured in all patients, and the association of adiponectin with fasting insulin, total, LDL, and HDL cholesterol, triglycerides, apolipoprotein A-1, and apolipoprotein B was evaluated. Twelve healthy adolescents served as control subjects. RESULTS: Adiponectin levels were significantly lower in untreated GHD adolescents than in treated GHD subjects or in control subjects (P < .008). Total and LDL cholesterol, triglycerides, and Apo B concentrations were increased in untreated GHD adolescents, whereas HDL cholesterol levels were similar in all three groups. Insulin levels were significantly increased in treated GHD adolescents when compared with control subjects (P < .05) but similar to those with untreated GHD. Adiponectin was found to be negatively associated with body mass index, waist-to-hip ratio, and with Apo B, total cholesterol, triglycerides, and LDL cholesterol concentrations in untreated GHD adolescents, whereas a positive correlation between adiponectin and HDL cholesterol was noted in both untreated and treated GHD subjects. Adiponectin correlated inversely with fasting insulin levels in untreated and treated GHD adolescents. CONCLUSIONS: GHD in adolescence is associated with low levels of adiponectin and with an unfavorable plasma lipid and lipoprotein profile. Our data suggest that treatment with GH may improve the abnormalities seen.     

Serum lipids and apolipoproteins in Spanish children and adolescents: a 5 year follow-up

This study was designed to assess "tracking" of serum lipids and apolipoproteins in three age groups of Spanish children over a 5 year period. A total of 84 6-year-old, 89 10-year-old and 64 14-year-old children were evaluated in 1989 (with measurement of serum total cholesterol, triglycerides, lipoproteins and apolipoproteins A1 and B), and re-evaluated in 1994. Correlation coefficients between initial and final lipid and apolipoprotein values were as follows: total cholesterol, 0.66; low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, 0.65; high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, 0.61; triglycerides, 0.61; apolipoprotein A1, 0.60; apolipoprotein B, 0.66. When age groups were analysed separately, children who were 14 years old at the beginning of the study showed higher correlation coefficients, particularly for total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol (> 0.7 in both cases). More than 70%, of children who were in the top quintile of total, LDL or HDL cholesterol as well as apolipoprotein A1 or B in 1989 remained in the top quintile 5 years later.     

Impaired serum lipids and lipoproteins in fetal macrosomia related to maternal obesity

The aim of this work was to determine lipoprotein metabolism alterations in macrosomic newborns and to see whether these lipoprotein abnormalities are parallel or not to those found in their obese or nonobese mothers. Serum lipids, apo A-I, apo B100, lipoproteins (VLDL, LDL, HDL2, and HDL3), and LCAT activity were investigated in obese and nonobese mothers and cord blood of their macrosomic or appropriate-for-gestational-age (AGA) newborns. Serum and VLDL triglyceride concentrations were higher in obese mothers of AGA newborns than in nonobese mothers. Serum triglyceride, VLDL, and apo B100 levels were higher, while serum apo A-I and HDL2 cholesterol concentrations were lower in obese mothers of macrosomic newborns than in the other groups. In their macrosomic newborns, serum lipid, lipoprotein, apo B100, and apo A-I levels were higher as compared with those of other newborns. Macrosomic newborns of nonobese mothers had lipoprotein profiles similar to those in AGA newborns. LCAT activity was similar in both mother groups and in both newborn groups. In conclusion, maternal obesity and fetal macrosomia were associated with lipoprotein abnormalities consistent with high atherogenic risk.     

Lipid profile in children with acute viral hepatitis A

BACKGROUND: Most of the knowledge about lipid parameters in acute hepatitis is originated from adult studies. In this study, the authors investigated lipid profile of children with acute hepatitis A (AVH) at diagnosis and recovery in order to observe the behavior of lipid parameters in such children. METHODS: A total of 28 children (mean age, 8.2 +/- 2.7 years) with AVH and 20 gender and age-matched healthy children were included. In addition to the routine tests, triglyceride, cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein (LDL), high-density lipoprotein (HDL), plasma apo A-I and apo B were studied at diagnosis and recovery. RESULTS: Serum triglyceride and apo B level was higher, and apo A-I level was lower in patients compared to healthy children (P < 0.01, <0.05 and <0.01, respectively). On admission, three children had fulminant hepatic failure (FHF). Serum lipid parameters were evaluated in respect with the presence of icterus and FHF, and found that apo A-I level was lower in icteric children and LDL and apo A-I were lower in FHF compared to others (P < 0.05, P < 0.01 and P < 0.05, respectively). At recovery, while triglyceride, cholesterol, LDL, and apo B decreased (P < 0.01), HDL and apo A-I increased (P < 0.01). Serum apo A-I level was inversely correlated with serum ammonia level but was positively correlated with serum albumin (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: It was shown that serum triglyceride and apo B level increased, but apo A-I level decreased in patients with AVH. While cholestasis lowers apo A-I level, severe hepatic damage lowers both apo A-I and LDL. These parameters return to normal levels within 30 days. An interesting relationship between ammonia and apo A-I deserves further investigations, speculatively focused on hepatocyte nuclear factor 4 alpha.     

Cardiovascular risk factors m relation to the serum concentrations of copper and zinc: epidemiological study on children and adolescents in the Spanish province of Navarra

This investigation was carried out to show the possible association between groups of children with extreme values of copper and zinc concentrations and cardiovascular risk indicators. Serum copper and zinc concentrations were analysed in a group of 3887 children from Navarra, Spain (both sexes, aged 4–17 years). Hypertension, unfavourable serum lipid profile (total cholesterol, high density lipoprotein cholesterol, low density lipoprotein cholesterol, triglycerides, and cholesterol/HDL and LDL/HDL ratios), and degree of adiposity (weight, height, subcutaneous skinfolds, Quetelet's index and mean of subcutaneous skinfolds) were evaluated. Positive correlation was found between several lipid parameters and copper and zinc concentrations, i.e. degree of correlation related with age, except for copper/HDL and triglycerides/zinc ratios, where correlation remained negative at all points. Copper levels were correlated with adiposity parameters in an age-dependent fashion (Quetelet's index: r = 0.01 forages 4–7 years to r = 0.10, p < 0.01 for ages 14–17 years; mean skinfold thickness: r = 0.05 for ages 4–7 years up to r = 0.18, p < 0.01 for ages 14–17 years). Most correlations between lipid parameters and copper and zinc are markedly amplified if adiposity parameters are taken into account. However, the only significant association was the established relation between high copper concentrations (> x + 2SD) and unfavourable serum lipid profile (LDL/HDL > 2.2).     

Separation and characterization of cord serum lipoproteins.

Blood was collected from the umbilical cord of infants with a 1-min Apgar score of 9 to 10. Total cord serum lipoproteins were isolated by ultracentrifugation, at a density of 1.220 g/ml. The isolated serum lopoproteins were then separated by gel filtration chromatography on 6% agarose. The overall recovery of the separated lipoprotein cholesterol was 90% or greater. In cord serum, four lipoprotein peaks were found, whereas three peaks were present in adult lipoproteins. The major lipoproteins of cord serum correspond to low density lipoprotein (LDL) and high density lipoprotein (HDL). Very low density lipoproteins (VLDL) were heterogeneous in cord serum. After gel filtration chromatography, the distribution of cord serum cholesterol is about 5% in peak 1, 10% in peak 2, 40% in peak 3 (LDL), and 45% in peak 4 (HDL). An additional difference between the lipoproteins isolated from cord serum and those from adult serum was the slower electrophoretic mobility of cord serum VLDL in agarose gel.     

The child as proband. High prevalence of unrecognized and untreated hyperlipidemia in parents of hyperlipidemic children

The authors evaluated the lipids of parents of hypercholesterolemic children to assess the prevalence of unrecognized and/or untreated hyperlipidemia. Biologic parents of 34 children had measurements of total cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, and triglycerides (n = 47) or total cholesterol only (n = 14). Lipid abnormalities were defined according to guidelines established by the National Cholesterol Education Program. Abnormal values were defined as total cholesterol greater than 240 mg/dl, low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol greater than 160 mg/dl, HDL cholesterol less than 35 mg/dl, and triglycerides greater than 250 mg/dl. Borderline values were defined as total cholesterol between 200 and 240 mg/dl and LDL cholesterol between 130 and 160 mg/dl. Abnormal values were found in 32/61 (52%) and borderline values were found in 12/61 (20%) parents. Of the abnormal parents, 13/32 (41%) had unrecognized or known but untreated hyperlipidemia, and 9/12 (75%) of the borderline parents had unrecognized abnormalities. In all families where both parents were tested, at least 1 had a lipid abnormality. The authors conclude that when children with hypercholesterolemia are identified, parents should also have lipids assessed. Treatment programs for children should also be directed at the parents.     

Triglyceride and cholesterol concentrations in whole serum and in serum lipoproteins in Reye syndrome.

Triglyceride and cholesterol concentrations in whole serum and in the serum lipoprotein fractions were measured during the course of hospitalization in six patients with Reye syndrome, four of whom survived. Very low density lipoprotein (VLDL) triglycerides were significantly lower on admission than on the last day of hospitalization. However, no VLDL triglyceride value was below the normal range. Triglyceride transport was increased in low density lipoprotein (LDL) and high density lipoprotein (HDL) fractions. LDL and HDL cholesterol concentrations were low on admission and decreased further during hospitalization. The changes in LDL and HDL cholesterol concentrations were more severe among nonsurvivors. No HDL cholesterol was detected in nonsurvivors on the last day of hospitalization. These results suggest that decreased VLDL triglycerides may not play an important role in the development of fatty liver and that decreased LDL and HDL cholesterol concentrations may be of prognostic value in Reye syndrome.     

Serum lipids and lipoproteins at birth in a biracial population: the Bogalusa heart study.

The lipid profile, total cholesterol, triglycerides, and lipoproteins (beta-, pre-beta-, and alpha-) of cord blood, is presented for 419 black and white infants (94% of the eligible population) born during an 18-month period in Bogalusa, Louisiana. At birth, white neonates of both sexes had higher average levels than black neonates of total cholesterol and beta-lipoproteins. White girls among the four race-sex groups had the highest cord blood levels of total cholesterol, beta-lipoproteins, and alpha-lipoproteins. Neither stress at delivery, birthweight, socioeconomic status, nor season of the year had an observable effect on any of the lipid or lipoprotein levels. The magnitude and direction of the relationships between the respective lipids and lipoproteins in cord blood were similar to those we have observed in preschool and school-aged children in the same community. Total cholesterol was highly correlated with both beta- and alpha-lipoproteins; triglycerides were correlated with pre-beta-lipoproteins but inversely with alpha-lipoproteins. These observations suggest that basic biochemical relationships are already established at birth.