High-Density Lipoproteins in Untreated Idiopathic Nephrotic Syndrome Without Renal Failure

Serum apoprotein A-I and lipid composition of high-density lipoproteinsin 14 adults and 9 children with idiopathic untreated nephroticsyndrome without renal failure were studied. Serum apoproteinA-I in adults was significantly raised compared to a controlgroup (1.72±0.49 and 1.45±0.15 g/l, Mean±SD,respectively); a similar trend was observed in children (1.88±0.62and 1.52±0.21 g/l, respectively). High-density lipoproteincholesterol was normal in both groups of patients (1.19±0.30and 1.50±0.48mmol/l in adults and in children, respectively),whereas high-density lipoprotein phospholipids were decreasedin adults and increased in children. In addition, apoproteinA-I: high-density lipoprotein cholesterol ratios in both groupsof patients were significantly increased with respect to theircontrol groups. These alterations suggest the existence of qualitativechanges in high-density lipoprotein composition. Despite otherassociated risk factors, and particularly from the point ofview of the ‘high-density lipoprotein hypothesis’,our patients with untreated nephrotic syndrome without renalfailure seem not to be at a higher coronary risk.