ABSTRACT
OBJECTIVE: To investigate the high density lipoprotein (HDL) subclasses distribution and chemical composition, as well as low density lipoprotein (LDL) size and LDL oxidation, in coronary male patients treated with statins, that had LDL-cholesterol levels at target (< 100 mg/dL), but whose HDL-cholesterol (< 40 mg/dL) and triglycerides (TG > or = 150 mg/dL) levels were abnormal. The control group was formed by statin treated coronary male patients with LDL-C below 100 mg/dL and normal HDL-C and TG levels. MATERIAL AND METHODS: HDL subclasses and LDL size were determined by gradient gel electrophoresis. LDL susceptibility to oxidation was determined by measuring lag phase duration, after adding the oxidant agent. RESULTS: Compared with the control group (n = 35), patients with low HDL-C + high TG (n = 34) showed significantly lower proportions of large HDL and higher proportions of small HDL particles. In addition, these patients had abnormal HDL composition, smaller LDL size, and higher LDL susceptibility to oxidation (p < 0.05 for all). CONCLUSIONS: Coronary patients with optimal LDL-C levels on statin therapy but with low HDL-C and high TG, have HDL and LDL abnormalities that have been shown to be associated with a higher risk of new coronary events.